UPCOMING SDAD EXHIBITIONS/EVENTS 2013-2014:

 

SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER Exhibition:

IDONTWANTTOOVERWORKTHIS...
Mick Phelan, Clayton Llewellyn and Kathy Zanot

westcoastgroup

DATE & TIME: Exhibition runs from September 20-October 12th, 2013

Opening Reception: Friday, September 20th, 6:00 pm-8:00 pm
Closing Reception: Saturday, October 12th, 6:00 pm-10:00 pm during Ray @ Night

IDONTWANTTOOVERWORKTHIS...
Mick Phelan, Clayton Llewellyn and Kathy Zanot

of West Coast Drawing group

Go to work, to make money, to buy gas, to fill the truck, to go to work, to make money, to buy gas, to fill the truck, to go to work, to make money, to buy gas, to fill the truck, to go to work, to make money, to buy gas, to fill the truck, to go to work, to make money, to buy gas, to fill the truck, to go to work, to make money, to buy gas, to fill the truck, to go to work, to make money, to buy gas, to fill the truck, to go to work, to make money, to buy gas, to fill the truck, to go to work, to make money, to buy gas, to fill the truck, to go to work, to make money, to buy gas, to fill the truck, to go to work, to make money, to buy gas, to fill the truck, to go to work, to make money, to buy gas, to fill the truck, to go to work, to make money, to buy gas, to fill the truck, to go to work, to make money, to buy gas, to fill the truck, to go to work, to make money, to buy gas, to fill the truck, to go to work, to make money, to buy gas, to fill the truck, to go to work, to make money, to buy gas, to fill the truck...

Featured Artist: Ellen Dieter
In The Moment

Artist Bio: A native of Cleveland, Ohio, Dieter began her studies at the Cooper School of Art. Her work there earned her a place at the Cleveland Institute of Art. Upon completing that phase of her education, her artistic passion carried her across the Atlantic to Paris, where she studied at L'Ecole des Arts Appliques. Over the next ten years, Dieter's work was successfully represented at several group and solo exhibitions throughout France and established for her a reputation for elegant forms, economy of line, and remarkable control of the brush.

Dieter returned to the United States in the early 1990’s spending the next twenty years raising her daughter in San Diego. There she taught art at Children's Creative and Performing Arts Academy, danced with City Moves Dance Foundation and eventually worked as Company Manager for The Old Globe Theatre.

In 2007, Dieter recommitted herself to her art, living between San Diego and Honolulu, working in her studios full time. Shortly thereafter Dieter had a number of successful shows at the San Diego Art Institute, earning her solo shows on 2012. 2013 and 2014. In 2011, she was honored to be invited to be the Artist in Residence by Alexander Salazar Fine Arts of San Diego. This experience was a pivotal moment in her art career. Almost immediately following that, Cedar Street Galleries of Honolulu offered her a solo show, “Choices Made” which was another career defining moment for Dieter in 2012.

Dieter’s artistic style has continually evolved to a higher level of unique sophistication. The richness of her contemporary palette has developed over years of artistic inquiry, and she counts O’Keefe, Mitchell, Modigliani, Kandinsky, amongst others as powerful influences. Her work currently is infused with rich and vibrant colors that evoke timeless themes. Those themes are united with reflections of memory—memories from her extensive travels throughout North America, Europe, Australia, Asia, Africa and journeys closer to home.

Dieter's paintings evoke a unique and extraordinary fusion of technical skill and artistic abandon, while her organic compositions capture the ephemeral vitality of modern life. The synthesis continues.

Artist Statement: To allow the process to unfold, to step away, yet step up to, to paint with reckless abandon yet with intent, is what drives my art making. My work is very much about process. The image itself is secondary to the action of the brush to canvas. Working intuitively, working in the unknown, there is a following, a searching for what if's, adding on, taking out, forever adjusting. Abstract, non-objective or figurative, the process drives the quest for balance, solutions to chaos, an evolution of personal history, memory if you will, for life as seen and experienced. I have a relationship to these marks, images and expressions. A willingness to share and become vulnerable, to be true to myself is my ongoing journey.

 

AUGUST/SEPTEMBER Exhibition:

THE GOOD, THE BAD AND THE SEXY
Billy Martinez and Dan Bois

billy

DATE & TIME: Exhibition runs from August 16-September 14th, 2013

Opening Reception: Friday, August 16th, 6:00 pm-8:00 pm
Closing Reception: Saturday, September 14th, 6:00 pm-10:00 pm during Ray @ Night

THE GOOD, THE BAD AND THE SEXY
2013 New Works by Billy Martinez and Dan Bois


Billy Martinez has been working comics and fine art for over 18 years. He is the publisher of Neko Press. His works include Wildflower, Kickass Girl and The Deepest Dark. Billy’s art has been featured in Heavy Metal Magazine and as well as The Family Guy and Hellboy for Inkworks trading cards. He has been commissioned by Starbucks Coffee and has designed work for Qualcomm Communications. Billy currently resides in San Diego and teaches over 17 classes a week at Neko Press Art Studios. He regularly performs live art at many venues up and down the coast and is continuing his series of 1000 Girls paintings. 2012 marked the release of "In Your Face", a complete guide to drawing facial expressions. Billy will be debuting his follow up 2013 how-to draw book titled"Body Movin". This book features a solid approach to figure drawing.

Billy Martinez will be presenting his Girls 2013 editions for this month long showing at SDAD “The Good, The Bad And The Sexy”. Join us for this exciting reception that will include a live art performance as well as a personal meet and greet. Originals and prints will be available for purchase.

For more news and information about Billy Martinez:
www.nekopresscomics.com
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wF-hRWFab5Q&feature=player_embedded

Featured Artist: David Jones
Tell Me A Story

Artist Statement: I have learned that when I spend time drawing and painting, I find the right words to connect to other people. When I create art, I create change and move my life forward. Art is my form of storytelling. The “Tell Me a Story” collection is inspired by the idea of art as a language. It comes from my curiosity about where people come from. As I worked on these paintings, they became more narrative.

 

JULY/AUGUST Exhibition:

OBJECTS IN LANDSCAPES

objects

DATE & TIME: Exhibition runs from July 19th-August 10th, 2013

Opening Reception: Friday, July 19th, 6:00 pm-8:00 pm - Printmaking demo from 4-6 pm
Closing Reception: Saturday, August 10th, 6:00 pm-10:00 pm during Ray @ Night

OBJECTS IN LANDSCAPES
Participating Artists: Aaron Ishaeik, Frol Boundin and Lauren Greewald


The focus of this exhibition is a thematic exploration of the object in landscapes. Investigations of the colors and compositions of both real and fictional landscapes, the expression of landscape as it relates to time, through both progress and decline, and the perception of landscape as mediated by the movement of the viewer are some of the themes presented through the work of three artists and their use of different media, including printmaking, painting, photography and video.

Participating artists are Frol Boundin, Lauren Greenwald and Aaron Ishaeik. Mr. Boundin and Ms. Greenwald recently received their Master of Fine Arts degrees in Studio Art from the University of New Mexico, and are currently Visiting Professors of Art at New Mexico State University. Mr. Ishaeik is a graduate of the School of the Art Institute of Chicago, a painter and an award-winning graphic designer and resident of San Diego.

The exhibition opening will include an interactive component, as printmaker Frol Boundin will be providing printmaking demonstrations in which visitors can learn about the printmaking process and participate in the creation of an original print (Demo will be from 4-6 pm). A selection of Lauren Greenwald’s video works will also be shown as large-scale projections.

Featured Artist: Buck Irwin
City Noir

As a boy growing up in Los Angeles- the Great American Un-City, my world changed forever upon my first visit to a real city: San Francisco, where tall buildings soared into the sky, their windows reflecting and projecting light throughout the day and into the evening. Ever since that first glimpse, I have been transfixed by the City. Today I live in a high-rise in downtown San Diego. My work primarily reflects what I love and see through my windows. I am fascinated with how the City changes as darkness nears. The energy transforms from busy to quiet- People go away, shadows fall and the light changes significantly. I strive to capture this evolution by mixing architectural form with abstraction, fantasy and perhaps a little mystery.

 

JUNE/JULY Exhibition:

7TH ANNUAL SDAD STUDENT SHOW

student

DATE & TIME: Exhibition runs from June 14th-July 13th, 2013

Opening Reception: Friday, June 14th, 6:00 pm-8:00 pm
Closing Reception: Saturday, July 13th, 6:00 pm-10:00 pm during Ray @ Night

7th ANNUAL SDAD STUDENT SHOW

Join the San Diego Art Department for an exciting collection of artwork by our many talented & diverse students! A variety of unique paintings, glass, mosaic, drawings & 3-dimentional work will be on display. Outstanding work in a specific medium will be recognized. Awards will be announced at 7 PM during the opening reception.

Featured Artist: Patric Stillman

BROTHERHOOD

Local artist, Patric Stillman will be featured in a solo exhibition based upon his celebrated gay-themed Brotherhood Tarot. This exhibit will showcase Patric's continuing exploration of the Tarot and his personal creative journey. The acrylic and faux-encaustic paintings represent fresh interpretations of the archetypes fournd in his earlier creation, Brotherhood Tarot (2004).

Brotherhood Tarot is represented in this exhibition by the art tags alongside of each painting, an original printer's proof of the deck of cards and three of its stylized digital photographs. Brotherhood Tarot visually merged California's unique flora and fauna, Stillman's friends and found clothing & objects while the symbolism underscored the traditions of the Rider-Waite Tarot deck, gay history & mythology and Patric's own personal growth. For nearly a decade, Brotherhood Tarot and its Companion book have sold hundreds of copies throughout the US and Internationally. A little over a year ago, Stillman decided it was time to set aside the computer and get his hands dirty. He took up classes with San Diego Art Department, where he studied with his creative mentor, Kate Ashton. For this, his first one-man show in the medium of acrylic and faux-encaustic, he sought to reconnect to his creative source and the result is the BROTHERHOOD exhibition.

Welcome to the visual musings of the Oak Grove Oracle, Patric Stillman.

Closing reception will be held during Ray at Night / Gay Pride weekend.

 

MAY/JUNE Exhibition:

RAY STREET ARTISTS

ray street

DATE & TIME: Exhibition runs from May 17th-June 8th, 2013

Opening Reception: Friday, May 17th, 6:00 pm-8:00 pm
Closing Reception: Saturday, June 8th, 6:00 pm-10:00 pm during Ray @ Night

RAY STREET ARTISTS

The San Diego Art Department is excited to celebrate the completion of our first published book, "Ray Street Artists", by inviting you to view this show of works created by the 18 featured artists.

Along with their work, you can view other members and students who are proud to create at SDAD year after year. Once you witness the talent that results after taking classes and creating art among the inspiring environment of the San Diego Art Department, we think you will be eager to join us and become one of the Ray Street Artists yourself!

Featured Artist: Sheena Rae Dowling

Sheena Rae Dowling was born in San Diego, CA in 1980. She received her BA at San Diego State University and her MFA at Pratt Institute. She has shown her work on both the east and west coast. Sheena is trained as a painter and sculptor working across many mediums including textiles, video, installation, sculpture, and painting...letting the subject matter inform her decisions for materials. Some themes that are present in her work are the presence of energy in inanimate objects, the duality of beauty and the grotesque in humanity, and personal struggles to attain understanding and truth.

 

 

Quick Draw "PLEIN AIR" Competition!

plein air

DATE & TIME: Saturday, May 18th, 2013 - during the North Park Festival of the Arts event
Registration begins at 9:30 am at SDAD

PLEIN AIR

The Quick Draw Plein Air Competition is an interactive artist event that will take place during the North Park Festival of the Arts on May 18th. This all-age event invites artists, competition painters, professionals, amateurs and hobbyists to compete and have fun! These artists have two hours to complete their work throughout North Park and amongst the festivities, giving onlookers the opportunity to see artists in action. See the scenes and how the artists interpret them. Smell the wet paint and get caught up in the excitement of watching a painting come to life before your eyes! Registration begins at 9:30 am at the San Diego Art Department (3830 Ray Street). The paintings, completed at noon, will be displayed for public viewing on easels in front of SDAD. The works will be judged at 1:00 pm and awards will be presented. The wet paintings will be on sale from 1:00 pm - 6:00 pm during the festival. Winners will also be invited to display their work at the San Diego Art Institute’s Museum of the Living Artist, as well as the San Diego Art Department.

 

 

APRIL/MAY Exhibition:

The Nomad Project presents
CAUSES: The Producer of an Effect

A group exhibit by Anderson, Barajas, Castrejon Solis, Corum, Lehman, Puffer & Zanot

Causes

DATE & TIME: Exhibition runs from April 19-May 11th, 2013

Opening Reception: Friday, April 19th, 6:00 pm-8:00 pm
Closing Reception: Saturday, May 11th, 6:00 pm-10:00 pm during Ray @ Night

CAUSES

A person or thing that acts, happens, or exists in such a way that some specific thing happens as a result; the producer of an effect.

To think that as an individual we get to make choices and actions that will affect, in a positive or negative way, those who are around us. Here is where our existentialism = a philosophical attitude. This is associated especially with those opposed to rationalism and empiricism that stress the individual's unique position as a self-determining agent, responsible for the authenticity of his or her choices. This gets to play an important factor in how we do and create art…or not?

 

MARCH/APRIL Exhibition:

KEVIN GREELAND

kevin greeland

DATE & TIME: Exhibition runs from March 15-April 13th, 2013

Opening Reception: Friday, March 15th, 6:00 pm-8:00 pm
Closing Reception: Saturday, April 13th, 6:00 pm-10:00 pm during Ray @ Night

Fragments from the Garden - A Sculptural Installation
by Kevin Greeland
What sorts of objects would one find in the garden of paradise if it were to be discovered? In his new exhibition artist Kevin Greeland creates a mythological place where such archeological objects have been discovered, but with a twist. Greeland picks and chooses from a number of different primordial first gardens and mixes those elements up.

Fragments from the Garden is a sculptural installation accompanied by performance art. Sculptures and prints are presented as archeological fragments and historical objects from this uncertain place in time, these things appear as items rescued from the lost garden or possibly from a garden home or temple.

Based on research of various elements within certain cultural myths and folklore, Greeland reimagines the tales and turns those elements into physical things i.e.…sculptures, drawings and prints.

The performance piece titled “Places for Souls” and sound art will take place during the evening around 7 pm both for the opening and closing. The performance imagined by Greeland and performed by Wallpaper Performance Company functions as a “séance” of sorts, in which performers act as mediums to engage the spirits from “The Plains of Tession” a pseudo-space within the garden, adding a good twist of Dada to the evening.

 

 

FEBRUARY/MARCH Exhibition:

CARLOS CASTREJON

carlos

DATE & TIME: Exhibition runs from February 15-March 9th, 2013

Opening Reception: Friday, February 15th, 6:00 pm-8:00 pm
Closing Reception: Saturday, March 9th, 6:00 pm-10:00 pm during Ray @ Night

cuarenta y dos
42
drawings, paintings, sculptures & mixed media
by Carlos Castrejon
My art is about encompassing the entirety of life and distilling it to an essential thought. I use various media ranging from oil paint to pastel, from charcoal to sculpture, to project the ideas of love, mortality and interconnection to others. My art aims to transform the simple and the mundane, such as geometric shapes and pure colors, into thought-provoking images that transform the space in which they are placed.

I have been an artist since I was young. Even before it registered to me that art could be a profession, I was continually creating something out of nothing and seeing the abstract patterns in everyday life. For me, art and life are inseparable. I find the most joy and nourishment in expressing myself with a brush or with a stick of charcoal, and in sharing my vision with others.

Today, that vision is “freedom.” What does it mean to me? How do I experience it? I walk daily with the idea, searching for better ways to understand the concept. After much thought, I realize that freedom is a gift that resides within each one of us, a gift only the creator can give. And for me, today, I experience this freedom in my heart and soul as they are inspired by color, form, texture and volume, and then translate these into my art.

Spontaneity is my doctrine and my birthright. I find my ideas quickly, in their most simple and crystalline forms. If something is given too much thought or analysis, it becomes murky and polluted. A passionate, definitive stroke on canvas evokes so much more meaning that an overworked, unsure line. The first instinct transferred to paper holds so much more power than a series of second guesses.

So here is my freedom, in my thoughts, in my art. I absorb the beauty of nature around me and focus it into creative force. My energy is at once transferred into the canvas, paper, board, wood, metal or clay, and what remains is a spectacle of color, texture and shape that announces my gratitude and my inner freedom.

Featured Artist: Vanessa V. Hofmann
"Magical Motion of Animals & Bicycles"

 

JANUARY/FEBRUARY Exhibition:

IGOR KOUTSENKO

igor

DATE & TIME: Exhibition runs from January 18th-February 9th, 2013

Opening Reception: Friday, January 18th, 6:00 pm-8:00 pm
Closing Reception: Saturday, February 9th, 6:00 pm-10:00 pm during Ray @ Night

Hand Pulled Prints by Igor Koutsenko
Igor Koutsenko was born in Evpatoria, a resort city on the Crimean Peninsula on the Black Sea. His father brought him to the Children's Art School in his hometown after he demonstrated artistic ability at a young age. At age eleven, Koutsenko was accepted to the adult art studio directed by the acclaimed artist Zvyagintesev who encouraged his talent.

Later Koutsenko was educated at the Penza School of Art (class of E. Iodynis) and received rigorous training in the old traditions of Russian realist art. While living in Moscow, he successfully used the Moscow art market to sell his creations to Russian and foreign collectors. His experience in Moscow allowed him to fully realize himself as an independent artist.

Koutsenko immigrated to the United States in 1992, settling in Oklahoma City, where he taught fine art at the University of Central Oklahoma. In 1995, he was granted permanent United States residentship as an alien of extraordinary abilities. In his private studio in the Paseo Art District of Oklahoma City he continued to produce his own works. He participated in a number of exhibits throughout the United States. Koutsenko has been featured in numerous articles in newspapers and magazines. He has appeared in "Artbreak" on Bravo channel. Numerous works by Koutsenko have entered some distinguished private collections in the United States. His work is also in the permanent collection of the Riverside Art Museum, Pfizer Pharmaceutical Company, Institute for Specialized Medicine, Hoffman Trust Collection and many others.

In 1998 Koutsenko visited Southern California and was attracted by its beautiful scenery and climate that reminded him of his boyhood surrounding. Since moving to San Diego, he continues to produce original work at his private studio.

Featured Artist: Jeanette Piranio

 

DECEMBER/JANUARY Exhibition:

ANNUAL INSTRUCTOR SHOW

Instructor Show

DATE & TIME: Exhibition runs from December 14th-January 12th, 2013

Opening Reception: Friday December 14th, 6:00 pm-8:00 pm
Closing Reception: Saturday, January 12th, 6:00 pm-10:00 pm during Ray @ Night

Annual Instructor Show 2012:
Join the San Diego Art Department for an exciting collection of artwork by our many talented & diverse instructors! A variety of unique paintings, glass, mosaic, drawings & 3-dimentional work will be on display.

Featured Artist: Christina Schulz
"A Murder of Crows" - A collection of paintings depicting the mystical presence of crows in flight.

Special Show: Children's Art Exhibit
A Children's Art Exhibit will also be on display in conjuction with the Annual Instructor Show & Christina Schulz. Drawings have been collected from more than 2 dozen countries worldwide on the theme of peace, harmony and how to contribute to the community. The ages of the young artists range from 5 years to 15 years. The World  Harmony Run (www.worldharmonyrun.org) sponsored the contest where international children submitted their drawings for the display. This is the first showing in California. Previously the art has been displayed in Florida.

 

NOVEMBER/DECEMBER Exhibition:

GLASSWORKS 2012
The Ordinary and The Extraordinary

GlassWorks

DATE & TIME: Exhibition runs from November 16th-December 8th, 2012

Opening Reception: Friday November 16th, 6:00 pm-8:00 pm
Closing Reception: Saturday, December 8th, 6:00 pm-10:00 pm during Ray @ Night

GLASSWORKS 2012:
Join the San Diego Art Deparment for a beautiful Glass Exhibition featuring artwork by instructors Bonnie & Marvin Dull, Toye Martindale as well as a wonderful collection of student work!

Featured Artist: Jan Lord

 

OCTOBER/NOVEMBER Exhibition:

GYMNOPHOBIA by Sheena Rae Dowling

gymnophobia

DATE & TIME: Exhibition runs from October 19th - November 10th, 2012

Opening Reception: Friday October 19th, 6:00 pm-8:00 pm
Closing Reception: Saturday, November 10th, 6:00 pm-10:00 pm during Ray @ Night

ARTISTS STATEMENT:
GYMNOPHOBIA: noun - An abnormal and persistent fear of nakedness. Sufferers of this phobia experience undue anxiety even though they realize their fear is irrational. They may worry about seeing others naked or being seen naked, or both. Their fear may stem from anxiety about sexuality in general, from a fear that their bodies are physically inferior, or from a fear that their nakedness leaves their bodies —and their personalities—exposed and unprotected.  –MedicineNet.com, Medterms

Clothing is an integral part of our lives. While it is used to cover our nakedness and offer protection, it is also part of our identity, a receptacle for memories. Holes, tears and stains all attest to its contact with our bodies as well as revealing its history. This intimacy between our clothes and our bodies means that clothes take on a part of us. It is this energy in inanimate objects that I want to preserve in my work. The clothing becomes a stand-in for the body. After deconstructing the garment I hand sew them back together to make new forms. This process of repetition embeds more of the physical self, each stitch accounting for a moment in time, adding to its history. This process is destructive while it mends. The resulting effect is a scar-like mark left on the material. There is duality between the mending and the permanent scarring.

My personal fear of nudity relates to a sense of feeling exposed. This could mean being physically or emotionally vulnerable. Clothing acts as another barrier between us and the world; like architecture it gives us a sense of security. Performing this role, the clothing has power and that power is still there even after the owner has discarded it. I seek to evoke both monumentality and intimacy. I am trying to expand my thoughts on what is beautiful and what is grotesque. Taking cast-off clothes and giving them new life feels symbolically like a triumph over decay.

 

SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER Exhibition:

WINGS AND WHIMSY by Susan Osborn
Assemblage and Painting Exhibition

wings & whimsy

DATE & TIME: Exhibition runs from September 14th - October 13th, 2012

Opening Reception: Friday September 14th, 6:00 pm-8:00 pm
Closing Reception: Saturday, October 13th, 6:00 pm-10:00 pm during Ray @ Night

ARTISTS STATEMENT:
Susan is influenced by folk art, religious artifacts, and mythological stories. Through the years, she has painted, drawn and assembled images using wings. "Birds and angels carry freedom and entrance to places I can not go in a human body. These spirits transport me and bring me messges from the sky, heaven and my dreams."

Included with the wings are bits of whimsy. You might recognize the found objects reassembled and hopefully the past memories of their defunct uses. Now, they have been given new life and regained new uses - to bring questions and humor, to enlighten and give tribute.

 

AUGUST/SEPTEMBER Exhibition:

The San Diego Silk Guild presents TANGLED UP IN BLUE

tangled in blue

DATE & TIME: Exhibition runs from August 17th - September 8th, 2012

Opening Reception: Friday August 17th, 6:00 pm-8:00 pm
Closing Reception: Saturday, September 8th, 6:00 pm-10:00 pm during Ray @ Night

The San Diego Silk Guild formed in April 2007 as a local chapter of SPIN, Silk Painters International. Their mission statement is “To Further Silk Art thru Outreach, Exhibits and Workshops.”

Tangled Up in Blue will be a fabulous showcase of Silk Guild talent! Join SDAD & Suzanne Knight, President of San Diego Guild, for an exciting evening of 22 silk painters presenting their wall hung silk paintings, a fashion runway show featuring wearable silk art and live music by "Rock Bottom and the Primordial Men". This will also be a charity event benefiting Rachael's House for Homeless and Battered Women (100% of the sale of donated scarves will go to teaching these women how to paint on silk!)

 

JULY/AUGUST Exhibition:

The Art of BILLY MARTINEZ

DATE & TIME: Exhibition runs from July 20th - August 11th, 2012

Opening Reception: Friday July 20th, 6:00 pm-8:00 pm
Closing Reception: Saturday, August 11th, 6:00 pm-10:00 pm during Ray @ Night

ARTIST INFO:
Billy has worked in the comic industry since 1996. Credits include Heavy Metal Magazine, The Sci-Fi Channel's "The Chronicle" and "The Family Guy" trading cards for Inkworks. 2006 marked the 10 year anniversary for his title "Wildflower". His latest series "Kickass Girl" received critical acclaim and in 2005 was collected into graphic novel form. Also in 2004 Billy began a line of paintings for galleries and live art shows and in 2006 released a compilation of his works titled "Girls". The book has become one of the best selling titles for Neko Press to date. 

.

MAY/JUNE EXHIBITION:

ACTO-POP! by JASON ACTON

ARTIST STATEMENT: Jason Acton is a color-blind artist. He uses primary colors to create an organized, clean, and geometric balance to his composition. Jason’s artistic style is inspired from Pop Art because of the use of primary colors on a two-dimensional surface. On the canvas, he uses complementary and primary colors, dots, and occasionally shading to create the idea of motion, depth, and three-dimensional effects.
In addition to pop acrylic works, Jason also takes images from his paintings and turn them into hand cut stencils, which he screen-prints onto fabrics by overlapping the design. He uses the colors and designs of the fabric with the stencil, which incorporates added dimension to the overall composition.
Outside of his preferred style, he creates paintings which reflect his personality, as well as his interests in music, graphic/interior design and architecture.

ARTIST BIO: Jason hails from the Midwest-Iowa in fact-in Bettendorf, along the Mississippi River, where he lived in an organized household along with a father who was a draftsman and an engineer. This is where the creative juices started to stir.
From grade school, following to high school, and then to Iowa State University, Jason experienced many wonderful talented art instructors that gave him the vital art skills to succeed.
At Iowa State University Jason took interest in studying architechture and then changed to the fine arts. Focusing on drawing, painting, photography, sculpture, and screen printing.
Done in 2004, Jason packed all his belongings in a truck and drove to San Diego in pursuit of his goal to produce all things in the creative realm of art!

DATE & TIME: Exhibition runs from May 18th-June 9th 2012

Opening Reception: Friday May 18th, 6:00pm-8:00pm

Closing Reception: Saturday, June 8th, 6:00pm-10:00pm during Ray at Night

 

Ray at Night

On the 2nd Saturday of each month, North Park's galleries welcome artists, art lovers and curiosity seekers with equal adoration. Ray at Night, as the gallery walk is called, provides an opportunity for San Diegans to experience varying forms of art all in one leisurely stroll. Every month from 6 to 10 p.m., participating North Park galleries display the works of painters, photographers, sketchers, sculptors and the like, allowing visitors to mosey down the one-block stretch southeast of 30th and University in North Park. Ducking in and out of participating galleries, Ray at Night guests are treated to three hours of self-directed gallery hopping and light fare. Please visit www.rayatnightartwalk.com for more information.

SDAD is a member of North Park for the Arts, the dedicated group of artists and business owners in North Park launched a community-wide effort to celebrate local Arts & Culture. Visit www.NorthParkArts.org for more information.

 

 

PREVIOUS SDAD EXHIBITIONS:

OCTOBER 2011 EXHIBITION: JUXTAPROSE: MONSTERS AND MESSAGES by artist bethany bARTon

EVENT: Los Angeles based artist bethany bARTon announces Juxtaprose: Monsters & Messages. In her continued effort to express and define human interconnectivity, bARTon combines words, colors, creatures and textures in a sort of visual stream of consciousness.
“The more honest I am with my thoughts and feelings the more I realize that dozens of other people have felt the same thing at some point. And I think that’s beautiful. They say ‘everything’s been done,’ well, what if you applied that to feelings? ‘Everything’s been felt’-- that’s weirdly comforting.”

The show reaches to every corner of those feelings -- from childlike whimsy to the heartbreaks of adulthood. And bARTon’s emotive, contemporary visual style puts playful monsters alongside a sort of energized modern calligraphy.

ARTIST BIO: 
Bethany has signed on with Dial/Penguin to write and illustrate two children’s books, due for a summer 2012 release, and is represented by a dashing fellow at Writers House in NYC (writershouseart.com). Bethany’s art & illustration have been featured in numerous films and television commercials, as well as in gallery shows and instalments around California. She lives and works (making art & painting sets) in Los Angeles... where she celebrates life with painting and laughter.

DATE & TIME: Exhibition runs from October 15th – November 12th 2011

Closing Reception: Saturday, November 12, 6:00pm-10:00pm during Ray at Night

LOCATION: The San Diego Art Department (SDAD) is on Ray Street in North Park:  3830 Ray Street, San Diego 92104

 

OCTOBER 31ST, 2011: GROOVY AMALGAMATION

EVENT: 
San Diego Art Department and Groovy Amalgamation announce a partnership of the arts!

“Old Times” is a masterpiece of comic observations with chilling consequences by Harold Pinter; the Nobel Prize winning playwright.

“People are constantly remembering things past in this chilling 1971 play, but we never do learn which of those things really happened and which did not. It doesn’t matter. Perception, in all its subjectivity, is the reality in the Proustian landscape of ‘’Old Times’’, by Harold Pinter.  What matters is not what happened but what people think happened. What people think defines who they are - or wish they were”. - Frank Rich, New York Times

 

DATE & TIME:  Opening Reception: Monday, October 31st, 6:00pm-10:00pm
Reading will begin at 7 pm with a question and answer period following

LOCATION: The San Diego Art Department (SDAD) is on Ray Street in North Park:  3830 Ray Street, San Diego 92104

EVENT DESCRIPTION: Groovy Amalgamation conducts staged readings with site specific venues to enliven the senses and build community.  Readings are free to the public, we ask for a minimum of a $5 donation.

Set in the abstract of The San Diego Art Department, a contemporary art gallery and studio in North Park, this staged reading allows the audience to paint their own conclusions of what this play is all about.

Amalgamation; the concept of creating an element in a work of fiction by combining existing things.
Synonyms for groovy: awesome, bang-up, banner, beautiful, boffo, bonny (also bonnie) [chiefly British], boss [slang], brag, brave, bully, bumper, capital, choice, classic, cool [slang], corking, crackerjack, cracking, dandy, divine, dope [slang], down [slang], dynamite, fab, fabulous, famous, fantabulous [slang]

ARTIST BIO: 

Moderator is Pat Launer, PH.D., Communicative Arts and Sciences.  Pat is a freelance arts writer and freelance and regular theatre reviewer with multiple media outlets including but not limited to; The Los Angeles Times, San Diego Union Tribune, The Orange County Register and Woman’s World, KPBS-TV, KPBS-FM and National Public Radio.

Pat is the President and CEO of Patte Productions and has received numerous awards:
• Emmy Award, 2002 writing/producing/hosting ‘Center Stage’ KPBS-TV
• Most influential faculty member 7 times with San Diego State University, Department of Communicative Disorders

The cast of Old Times staged reading consists of: Eva Kvass, Vanessa Dinning and Daniel Logan

 

 

September / October 2011 Exhibition

"The Game Show" featuring the West Coast Drawing Group

An exhibition of work by 21 members of West Coast Drawing, a San Diego based group of artists working in drawing media. (www.westcoastdrawing.com)

Opening Reception: Saturday, Sept 17th from 6pm - 8pm

Closing Reception: Saturday, October 8 from 6pm - 10pm (During Ray at Night)

Exhibition Period: September 17 - October 8, 2011

FEATURED ARTIST WALL EXHIBITING ARTIST:  Dixie McCarthy

 

August / September 2011 Exhibition

"When the Earth Speaks"

Opening Reception: Saturday, August 20th from 6pm - 8pm

Closing Reception: Saturday, September 10th from 6pm - 10pm (During Ray at Night)

Exhibition Period: August 20 - September 10, 2011

Marcos Armitaje, a contemporary digital artist from Venezuela, has painstakingly perfected the distinctive technique of capturing digital images of heat passing through natural earth minerals and crystals. Here painted in luminous colors on canvas, are the waves of "light" that are completely invisible to the naked eye and thus, cannot be detected by any other means. Crystalwave Art by Marcos Armitaje is one of a kind! Through this unique art form, you are experiencing firsthand the natural waves that native minerals emanate from the deepest part of the invisible spectrum.

“My  art  is  not simply the expression of feeling or commitment into the  material
world  where  we  reside.  On the contrary,  it is at its essence, the forced sequestra-
tion  of electromagnetic  radiation  not visible to the human eye.  The Crystalwave
Art you observe here now on canvas, has bathed your  corporal being  since before
you were born. I present to you here and now, the fossil radiation you have always
innately known.”

Examples of Mr. Armitaje’s compelling art may be seen at www.planetstonegallery.com

FEATURED ARTIST WALL EXHIBITING ARTIST:  Carol Graber

 

July/August 2011 Exhibition

"5th Annual Student Awards Exhibition"

Opening Reception: Saturday, June 18th from 6pm - 8pm

Closing Reception: Saturday, July 9th from 6pm - 10pm (During Ray at Night)

Exhibition Period: July 16 – Aug 13th, 2011

This July SDAD is celebrating the success of their current and former students by proudly presenting the Fifth Annual Student Awards Exhibition!  Their hard work and dedication is evident in the beautiful and diverse group of artwork submitted for the exhibition.  Guest jurors for this exhibition include Todd Gloria, City Council Member; Stephen Russell, intern architect; and Alessandra Moctezuma, Mesa College Art Gallery Director.

Awards are given to Best in show and certificates awarded to 1st, 2nd and 3rd place in the following categories:
Oil Painting
Acrylic Painting   
Pastel        
Drawing
Photography
Watercolor & Silk Painting
Mixed Media  & Sculpture (including Mosaics and Fused Glass)
       
The exhibition prize awards were generously donated by several local organizations including:  True North Tavern, Museum of Photographic Arts, San Diego Museum of Art, and The San Diego Youth Symphony & Conservatory.  We extend our deepest thanks for helping to make this a special exhibition! 

FEATURED ARTIST WALL EXHIBITING ARTIST:  Ann Golumbuk

 

June / July 2011 Exhibition

'Cassiopeia Dreams of Better Days' featuring artist Mimi Frank

Exhibition Statement: The Greek Myth of Cassiopeia centers on her vanity. She boasted that she and her daughter, Andromeda, were more beautiful than the Nereids (Poseidon’s daughters) and even Juno herself.  Really, what was Cassiopeia thinking?  This was ancient Greece and we know what happens next!  Somebody is going to get punished, and live for eternity in a really bad way.

But, according to the myth, Cassiopeia wasbeautiful.  She let everyone know it.  And as the gods weighed in, in their wrathful splendor, kingdoms fell, monsters raged, damsels were saved, and some lucky characters lived happily ever after; at least those who were pure and honest mortals.  And what of Cassiopeia?  She had done the unforgiveable.  She displayed her vanity by boasting that she was more beautiful than the gods themselves.  And her punishment?   She was tied to a chair that rotates in the night sky.  She spends half of each day in a most unflattering position; upside down.  If only she could put things back the way they were.  If only she could be with Cepheus, her king, and Andromeda, her lovely daughter.  But those were better days, and now they are just a dream.

The chair represents so many things to us.  We see it as a connection between people and the positions they occupy.  Chairs are place holders. Chairs are settings where we expect to see someone relaxing, resting, thinking, and working.  They imply humanity. We anthropomorphize them.  We make them.  We break them.  We use them in weddings.  They are symbols of authority.  Coronations occur in them and the powerful rule from them.  We can chair an event, or we can “lose our seat”.  We populate chairs with our own meaning and fill them with our own human activity.  When we see several chairs together, we see them in conversation.   Chairs are laden with our own symbolic language.  These chairs tell us a little about Cassiopeia and her regrets, but they are really about our relationships with each other.

About the artist: Mimi Frank was born in 1954 in Baltimore, Maryland.  She received her Bachelor of Arts from Mount Holyoke College, South Hadley, Massachusetts, advanced studies at the University of Georgia, Athens, Georgia, and received her Master in Fine Art from the University of Maryland in College Park, Maryland.   Ms. Frank currently lives and works in Maryland and has served on the faculty of The Catholic University of America (Washington, DC), Georgetown University (Washington, DC), and the University of Maryland (College Park, Maryland).  In her work, musings about life, relationships, objects and their inherent ironies are repeatedly presented for our consideration.  Occasionally humorous, but always attentively crafted, Ms. Frank’s sculptures use materials that are classic to our notion of sculpture, while embodying images that may leave us uncomfortable with their implications of love, lust, loss and longing. Ms. Frank’s use of industrial materials has played a major part in her history of sculpture making.  Her hand wrought objects, while bent and hammered, retain the marks of their making.  The crafting of the many elements of her work successfully plays rugged facture against psychological content.

Ms. Frank has exhibited nationally and is the recipient of numerous grants and awards including several individual artist awards from the Maryland State Arts Council.  Her work is included in several private collections.  Reviews of her work have been published in the Washington Post, the Washington Times, New Art Examiner, City Paper, and others.

Opening Reception: Saturday, June 18th from 6pm - 8pm

Closing Reception: Saturday, July 9th from 6pm - 10pm (During Ray at Night)

Exhibition Period: June 18 - July 9, 2011

 

May / June 2011 Exhibition

3rd Annual Plein Air North Park Exhibition

The San Diego Art Department and the California Art Club invited artists to take up the challenge of plein air painting and to participate in the 3rd Annual Plein Air North Park competition and exhibition at the San Diego Art Department. This is an opportunity for artists of all levels to participate in a unique event highlighting the North Park community, its landmarks, and the revitalization of the neighborhood.

Exhibiting Artists:

Brian Belfield
Patricia Crary
Norm Daniels
Andrea Gaye
Kevin Liddell
Mary Mulvihill
Jori Owens
Scott Palmer
Hyo Chung Park
Nancy Plank
Lonnie Pogue
Victoria Polyak
Vincent S. Quaranta
John Sabin
Don Scoles
Paul Strahm

A big thank you to our jurors: Pat Kelly, Jeff Yeomans, and Anthony Bernal.

Opening Reception: Saturday, May 21st from 6pm - 8pm

Closing Reception: Saturday, June 11th from 6pm - 10pm (During Ray at Night)

Exhibition Period: May 21st - June 11th 2011

Prize Awards Sponsored by:  Gamblin Artist Colors, Hornblower Cruises, North Park Sushi, Pagent of the Masters, San Diego Art Department and San Diego Art Institute

North Park Paint-Out Event

On Monday, April 18th Plein Air painters are invited to participate in a "North Park Paint Out & Critique" between the hours of 9:00am- 1:00pm. Join in the camaraderie with fellow plein air artists and come out to paint in North Park. This is an open event for all artists to gather throughout North Park and paint. Meet back at SDAD by 2:00pm to partake in a group discussion lead by Carloyn Hesse-Low and enjoy light refreshments.

Quick Draw Event

On Sunday, May 15th, during the North Park Festival of the Arts, the public is invited to watch participating artists complete a "Plein air" painting within a two hour time frame from 10am - noon. The artists will be within walking distance of the Art Department, giving onlookers the opportunity to watch any or all the painters while the work is being done. Together artists and spectators are immersed in the creative process. See the scenes and how the artists interpret them. Smell the wet paint and get caught up in the excitement of watching a painting come to life before your eyes. The paintings, once completed at noon, will be framed and displayed for sale to the public from 1:00pm-6:00pm, after being judged by Paul Strahm.

Registration for artists will begin at 9:30am - 10:00am at SDAD.

 

April/May 2011 Exhibition

Art Meets Fashion: "Got Diatoms?" Featuring Artists: Jennafer Grace, Marilyn Mitchell, John Agostini, Debbie Solan, and Thomine Wilson. Also featuring student artwork from St. Madeleine Sophie's Center.

The 'Arts Collide' team consists of members from four disciplines challenged to create a thematic installation. The theme Got Diatoms? celebrates the beauty and global relevance of diatoms, the most beautiful algae in our oceans and freshwater environments. Often called "jewels of the sea", these unique microscopic organisms are responsible for 25% of the oxygen produced on earth and are extremely important in the vital balance of our biosphere. This project with science literally colliding with art and fashion is ultimately a call to witness the miraculous beauty of the natural ocean environment.

Exhibition runs from April 16-May 15, 20011 at the San Diego Art Department, 3830 Ray Street, one block east of 30th, just south of University.

Opening Reception: Saturday, April 16th, 6:00pm-8:00pm

Closing Reception: Saturday May 14th from 6:00pm-10:00pm during Ray at Night

Visit the San Diego Visual Arts Network (www.SDVisualArts.net) for more events and happenings throughout San Diego!

 

March/April 2011 Exhibition

"RAW SUGAR" Featuring Artists: Berenice Badillo, Stephanie Bedwell, Nuvia Crisol Guerra, Shanna Matuszak, Yajaira Villagomez, and Nicole Waszak

CURATED BY THE MUSEUM STUDIES CLASS, SAN DIEGO MESA COLLEGE

 Inner strength comes in many forms but often goes unseen.  Uncovering strength requires confronting our raw emotions and challenging both our own and other’s expectations.  “Raw Sugar” features women artists who define their artistic path by exposing their experiences, whether disturbing or empowering, bitter or sweet, violent or joyful.

Berenice Badillo’s paintings reflect her struggle with chronic pain, disease and the medical model. Stephanie Bedwell’s compelling art evokes universal themes of, birth, death, vulnerability, and balance. Nuvia Crisol Guerra uses the methods of scientific inquiry to manipulate Mexican iconography, regional language and folktales, and transforms them into expressions of feminism. Shanna Matuszak confronts the emotional impact of criticism on women. Yajaira Villagomez uncovers the blissful and the tortured sides of love. Nicole Waszak’s artwork centers on the issues of identity as a woman in contemporary society.

Exhibition runs from February 19 - March 12, 2011

Opening reception will be held on Saturday, March 19th from 6pm - 8pm. Open to the public.

Closing reception will be held on Saturday, April 9th from 6pm - 10pm during Ray at Night.

 

February/March 2011 Exhibition

"Shades of Red" Juried Open Call Fundraiser Exhibition

Exhibition runs from February 19 - March 12, 2011.

Closing reception will be held on Saturday, March 12th from 6pm - 10pm during Ray at Night. Open to the public.

Click here for the Shades of Red Prospectus

PDF Entry Form

Juror: Pia Stern, visit her website at www.piastern.com

Award Sponsors Include: Artist & Craftsman Supply Gift Certificate, Dick Blick Art Store Gift Certificate, Lyric Theater Tickets, Personal Training Session with Beyond the Zone, Barona Buffet Gift Certificates, Side Street Thai Gift Certificate, Jasmine Seafood Restaurant Gift Certificate, East West Art & Frame Gift Certificates, The Enchanted Florist, San Diego Art Institute Memberships, San Diego Art Department Cash Award.

January/February 2011 Exhibition

"Retrospective" by Thia Nevius

Event: Exhibition runs from January 15th - February 12, 2011.

Thia has been teaching and making art for many years. It has been a big part of her life and actually the glue that has held her together at times. Thia chose works for this exhibition which highlight her variety and process. For more details click here.

Opening Reception: Saturday, January 15 from 6:00pm - 8:00pm

Closing Reception will be held during Ray at Night on Saturday, February 12, 2011 from 6:00pm - 9:00pm

SDAD EXHIBITIONS 2010:

December 2010 /January 2011 Exhibition

"Guardian Angels"

Event: Exhibition runs from Dec 18, 2010 - January 8, 2011.

Featuring body forms transformed into Guardian Angels by St. Madeleine's Sophie Center artists. Also on display on our Featured Artist Wall "Small Images" by SDAD/SDAI Members and Instructors.

Opening Reception: Saturday, December 18th from 6:00pm - 8:00pm

Closing Reception will be held during Ray at Night on Saturday, January 8, 2011 from 6:00pm - 9:00pm

 

November/December Exhibition

"Glass Works"

EVENT: Nov/Dec "Glass Works" exhibition runs from Nov 20 - Dec 11, 2010.

Featuring stained glass & fused glass artwork by Instructors Bonnie & Marvin Dull, Toye Martindale as well as student works on display

Opening Reception: Saturday, November 20th from 6:00pm - 8:00pm

Closing Reception will be held during Ray at Night on Saturday, December 11th from 6:00pm - 9:00pm

"Head to Toe Women's Expo" at the Del Mar Fairgrounds

November 12 - 14, 2010

SDAD had an interactive booth at the expo! Instructors demonstrated techniques and showcased their amazing work! Click here to view the expo flyer.

For more information please visit: www.headtotoewomensexpo.com

October/November Exhibition

"Pastel Society of San Diego 25th Annual Open Juried Show"

EVENT:          25th Annual Open Juried Show
                        Juror: Raul Espinoza, Artist & Educator
                        Exhibition runs from Oct 12 - Nov 13, 2010

Opening Reception: Saturday, October 16th from 6:00pm - 8:00pm (Awards Ceremony at 7pm)

Closing Reception will be held during Ray at Night on Saturday, November 13th from 6:00pm - 9:00pm

 

September/October Exhibition

"Sumptuous Silk" by Jan Janas
            
EVENT:          September exhibition titled, “Sumptuous Silk”
                        Featuring silk paintings and interactive projects by Jan Janas


DATE & TIME:  Opening Reception:
                        Saturday, Sept 18, 6:00pm-8:00pm
                        Exhibition runs from Sept 18 - Oct 11, 2010

ARTIST STATEMENT

My work is Expressionistic and somewhat Abstract in style.  I try to draw and/or paint what I feel about my subject.  I speak my thoughts visually.  My work in silk painting is more contemporary and spontaneous than the precise traditional work of the past.  I use steam set dyes and paints and a multitude of silk painting application techniques which in turn creates a complexity of overlays and juxtapositions.  The unique textures, colors, and patterns on the silk surface is exciting and challenging to me.  When all is unified, the visual story line I’m portraying gives the viewer a second and even third opportunity to contemplate what the piece expresses.

About the Artist:

Jan Janas has been a professional silk painting instructor for 2 decades.  Her art study has included training at the Art Institute of Chicago; Santa Fe College in New Mexico; University of NM, Taos; Northern Michigan University in Marquette, Michigan; Northern Illinois University in Dekalb, IL.  Her work has been shown in individual and collective exhibitions including the Museum of Fine Arts, Santa Fe, NM;  National Arboretum, Washington DC;  University of Maryland, MD;  State Capitol Building of Oklahoma City, OK;  Philbrook Museum of Art, Tulsa, OK;  Sandy Spring Museum, Olney, MD;  Paris 16th Ward, Paris, France.

Janas is the coauthor of three silk painting books:  THE COMPLETE BOOK OF SILK PAINTING, CREATIVE SILK PAINTING, and THE BEST OF SILK PAINTING.

August/September 2010 Exhibition

"Bots & Babes”
            
EVENT:            August exhibition titled, “Bots & Babes”
                        Featuring art work by Alex Chiu, Dan Bois and Billy Martinez


DATE & TIME:  Opening Reception:
                        Saturday, August 21, 6:00pm-9:00pm
                        Exhibition runs from Aug 21 – Sept 11, 2010

LOCATION:    The San Diego Art Department (SDAD) is on Ray Street in North Park one block east of 30th, just south of University.

SPECIAL FEATURE:  Featuring art work by Alex Chiu, Dan Bois and Billy Martinez

This exhibit brings together the best in Sci-Fi fantasy and sexy fun, with various styles that will catch the eye. Enjoy many styles of art for this show; whether it’s digital, acrylic, oils, or house paints it’s all here in Bots and Babes.

About the Artists:

Alex Chiu
I am currently wandering Southern California trying to make art as often and as much as possible. I believe that art has the power to speak to the heart, challenge the mind, and depict the soul. My dream is to unite, inspire, and bring hope to people through my artwork. (Alex Chiu) alexchiu.carbonmade.com/

Dan Bois
Born the day after Sputnik was launched, Dan works 9 to 5 as a graphic artist for local government. On Dan-time he brings to life WWII aircraft, mermaids, robots, aliens, witches and rocket ships. He began life as an artist 50 + years ago when he was caught red-handed doodling at school instead of taking notes. 
Dan first displayed his art at the San Diego International Comic-Con, and then shared a booth with Billy Martinez at Oktoberfest, and finally added the Rolando Street Fair (since it was in his own La Mesa backyard.) Now his fans seek him out at these venues. Dan art is created on paper with pencil and ink then brought to digital life with a computer and Adobe Illustrator. (Dan Bois) danboisgraphics.blogspot.com/

Billy Martinez
As with many children, comics began as an escape from reality for Billy Martinez. However, after successfully creating his own comic series, Martinez began exploring the genre further and found his niche. Since then, his clients have included Qualcomm Communications, the Sci-Fi Channel, and Starbucks. Martinez also runs the Neko Press Art Studios in La Mesa, where he teaches 17 classes a week. Currently, Martinez is working on creating 1,000 paintings for his Girls series. (10/09 944.com) www.nekopresscomics.com/

 

July/August 2010 Exhibition: CALL FOR SDAD STUDENT ARTWORK

Submission Guidelines: Former and Current SDAD students are eligible to submit one work of art to the juried exhibition. Drop off Deadline is on Monday, July 12th by 9:00pm. Artwork must be titled, priced and ready for hanging. The work will remain on display through August 14th.

We are pleased to announce this year's Juror is Amy Paul, artist and owner of Pigment. PRIZES WILL BE AWARDED!

The "SDAD Annual Student Awards Exhibition" opening reception will be held on Saturday, July 17th from 6:00pm - 9:00pm.

Closing Reception will be held on Saturday, August 14th during Ray at Night from 6:00pm - 9:00pm

Prizes generously donated by: Gamblin Artists Colors, Landmark Theatres, Mingei International Museum, Museum of Photographic Arts, Orchestra Nova San Diego, Pala Casino Spa and Resort, Ray Street Custom Framing, San Diego Museum of Art, San Diego Youth Symphony & Conservatory

 

June/July Exhibition

"CHAOS IN PIECES" by Jason Gould

Exhibition: June 19 - July 11, 2010

Opening Reception: Saturday, June 19th from 6:00pm - 9:00pm

Closing Reception will be held on Saturday, July 10th from 6:00pm - 9:00pm

About the exhibition:

This current group of paintings is a reaction to the recent catastrophes which have struck worldwide: earthquakes in Haiti and Chile, volcano eruptions in Iceland, the major oil spill into the Gulf of Mexico, floods in Tennessee and a failed terrorist bombing attempt in New York City’s Times Square. These incidents represent only a sample of the chaos currently taking place around the world not to mention our very own social and economic troubles here within the U.S. and in San Diego.

The subject being addressed in this body of work is the chaos that is created in our lives by natural forces and man-made. The chaos takes hold in matters of our border security, health insurance debate, global warming, drug smuggling, the economy, mass social media and all out war.  The series of paintings are set up to allow each piece to be read as interchangeable with one another. One painting informs the next painting. As an overall group these paintings are meant to explore the balance and imbalance of control; accepting the challenge to find peace of mind within the ever increasing sense of chaos, both personal and literal.

Chaos in Pieces is literally chaos shattered into fragments.  It is the only way that I have been able to comprehend and focus on finding peace within the chaos. - Jason Gould

About the Artist:
Jason is an abstract mixed media painter, art instructor and entrepreneur. His work is influenced by Neo-Expressionism, Pop Art, Folk Art and Graffiti. Southern California provides the inspiration for his use of color and imagery.

Jason was born in Fairbanks, Alaska and grew up in central Indiana. He earned his Bachelor of Fine Arts from Herron School of Art in Indianapolis, Indiana. He continued his education in Southern California where he obtained his Master of Fine Arts from California State University at Fullerton in 2000.

Recently, Jason has opened Visual Art Supply on Adams Avenue, providing art supplies, workshops and hosting art exhibitions.  Apart from being an artist, Jason has been an adjunct professor at San Diego City College, drawing and painting instructor at the San Diego Art Department and the Coronado School of Art.

 

May/June Exhibition

2nd Annual Plein Air North Park Competition 2010

Exhibition Closing Reception will be held on Saturday, June 12th from 6-9pm

The exhibition will be on display May 15 - June 13th, 2010.

Click here for the Rules and Information Packet

Click here for the Exhibition Program with participating artists

This event was hosted by the San Diego Art Department and in partnership with the California Art Club, San Diego Chapter. We invited artists to take up the challenge of plein air painting and participate in the 2nd Annual Plein Air North Park competition and exhibition at The San Diego Art Department. This is an opportunity for artists of all levels to participate in a unique event highlighting the North Park Community, its landmarks and the revitalization of the neighborhood.

A big thank you to all of our local businesses for supporting the 2nd Annual Plein Air North Park Competition/Exhibition!

PRIZE DONATIONS PROVIDED BY: Baja Betty's, California Art Club, California Ballet Company, Festival of the Arts, Laguna Beach, Heaven Sent Desserts, Hornblower Cruise & Events, La Jolla Playhouse, La Jolla Symphony & Chorus, San Diego Art Institute, Sea Rocket Bistro, True North, Warp 9 Imaging, and Urban Mo's.

 

April /May Exhibition:

"IMAGINARIUM: A Voyage into Creativity" curated by the San Diego Mesa College Museum Studies Class

Exhibition: April 17 - May 9th, 2010

Opening Reception: Saturday, April 17 from 6:00pm - 9:00pm

Closing Reception will be held on Saturday, May 8th from 6:00pm - 9:00pm

Featured Artists: Katherine Brannock, Bret Daniel, Wendell Kling, May-Ling Martinez, and Celene Petrulak

Has the creative process ever been fully understood? Throughout history, artists have used creativity and imagination to convey their ideas in every possible medium imaginable.

This exhibit showcases an eclectic group of five San Diego artists and reveals how they create their work. Come view rarely seen sketches, objects of inspiration, and other forms of non-traditional methods and materials used in the art making process.

 

March / April Exhibition:

"TEACHING ART" featuring work by the San Diego Art Department Instructors

Exhibition: March 20th - April 11, 2010

OPEN HOUSE / Opening Reception: Saturday, March 20th from 6:00pm - 9:00pm

Closing Reception will be held on Saturday, April 10th from 6:00pm - 9:00pm

SPECIAL EVENT : SDAD OPEN HOUSE 

Join us during the opening reception of the “SDAD Instructor Exhibition” and meet our amazing instructors!  The Open House will feature several artist demos and interactive projects for youth & adults.  Instructors will be available to answer questions about their work, process and class offerings.  Door prizes will be given to the first 20 people to attend!  

About San Diego Art Department Instructors:

The San Diego Art Department is pleased to offer classes and workshops taught by an amazing collection of San Diego artists and educators. Instructors at SDAD range from accomplished artists to Ph.D. trained individuals. They offer combined teaching experiences of more than 100 years and an exhaustive exhibition history in galleries and museums worldwide. We are honored to have each of them teaching with us. Community is everything and it has several meanings at the San Diego Art Department. We are a dynamic and evolving community within ourselves, bringing together artists of all backgrounds to create a work-play community. We are honored to feature our Instructors in this month’s exhibition opening Saturday, March 20th.

 

FEBRUARY 2010 EXHIBITION: "ONLY HUMAN
            
EVENT:            February exhibition titled, “ONLY HUMAN”
                        features paintings and drawings by Linda Kardoff
DATE & TIME:  Closing Reception:
                        Saturday, March 13th, 6:00pm-9:00pm
                         Exhibition runs from Feb 20 – Mar 14, 2010

LOCATION:    The San Diego Art Department (SDAD) is on Ray Street in North Park one block east of 30th, just south of University.

SPECIAL FEATURE: 

“I find humans to be the most fascinating of all creatures, both in our nature and appearance. I am more concerned with the visual aspects of painting than the narrative. Since my work can have various interpretations, I leave the final conclusion to the viewer. Painting gives me the power to contradict some of the seriousness of life with a little of the ridiculous.” – Linda Kardoff

 About the Artist:

Linda Kardoff is a figurative painter who moved from Chicago to San Diego four years ago. She won the Hoffman Trust Award in 2008 and won first place in two of the Southwestern Art Association's "Top One-Hundred Artists" exhibitions, among other awards in San Diego. Linda will be exhibiting large oil paintings and small narrative drawings at the San Diego Art Department through March 14, 2010. A closing reception will be held on Saturday, March 13th from 6pm – 9pm. 

SDAD Featured Artist: San Diego Art Department student, Kaori Fukuyama. 

__________________________________________________________________________

January / February Exhibition:

"Women by Women" featuring work by the San Diego Women's Figurative Group

Exhibition: January 16 - February 14, 2010

Opening Reception: Saturday, January 16th from 6:00pm - 9:00pm

Closing Reception will be held on Saturday, February 13th from 6:00pm - 9:00pm

SPECIAL FEATURE: 

“This mixed media exhibition explores the contemporary vision of the Southern California woman. We ask ourselves the following questions: How do we see women differently than men see us? How does our specific Southern Californian culture and identity affect how we portray women? Can the erotic, the feminist, the feminine, and the working artist/woman be reconciled?”

About the Artists:

“The San Diego Women’s Figurative Group is a collective of women artists who share a common interest in new feminist figuration. We meet each month to critique work, see local exhibitions, and support each other in our careers as artists and educators. We work across a variety of media: drawing, painting, mixed media, photography, sculpture, installation and new media.”

This exhibition features the following artists: Irene Abraham, Jocelyn Duke, Jeanne Dunn, Michele Guieu, Misty Hawkins, Daphne Hill, Maura McHugh, Amy Paul, Ginger Rosser, Therese Rossi, Anna Stump, and Marcella Villasenor.

SDAD Featured Artist: San Diego Art Department student, Desolina.

 

Past 2009 Exhibitions:

November/December Exhibition:

"GLASSWORKS" featuring work by SDAD Instructors and Students

Exhibition: November 21st - December 11th

Opening Reception: Saturday, Nov. 21st from 6:00pm - 9:00pm.

SPECIAL FEATURE: 

This exhibition will feature a diverse variety of fused and stained glass artwork by SDAD Instructors and Students. Exhibiting artists include Bonnie Dull, Marvin Dull, Toye Martindale, and SDAD students!

The San Diego Art Department offers 6 week classes in glass fusing and stained glass. Please refer to the "art classes" page for more details.

 

October/November Exhibition:

"Creatures of the Imagination" by Lois Adler-Roussell

Exhibition: October 17th - November 15th, 2009

Opening Reception will be held on October 17th from 6pm - 9pm

SPECIAL FEATURE: 

“I found the work of this artist enchanting. Behind a purposely naive style, easily compared to a children's book illustration, you find yourself seduced into a post modern Never Never Land. You are enchanted and dragged into a storybook world of paradoxical ironies. Perusing the work more carefully you ultimately sense that you have found the juncture when Harry Potter meets American Consumerism. Amidst the humor and appeal, you sense an almost Dickensian grasp of story telling. In my many years of teaching art at U.C. Berkeley, I often hoped I would find the artist who could embody these many qualities. Irony, satire and humorous appeal, without heavy handedness and pomposity.  Refreshing, fun, yet serious talent. Bravo! Lois. Bravo!” written by Warren Travis, M.F.AProfessor Emeritus, U.C. Berkeley; Winner of L.A. Times Theatre Critics Award for Design at the Mark Taper Forum; Winner of Bay Area Theatre Critics Award for California Shakespeare Festival; Designer for San Francisco Ballet; Visiting Artist in Residence at Stanford University. 

In this exhibition, the groups of prints are of creatures that can reason.  In Lois’ collection the part human animals enjoy music, mobility, frolicking and the finer elements of life.  In the first group of prints she mixed etchings, watercolors, and colored pencils to create mono prints.  The second group is all black and white etchings.  This collection of prints took about one year to create.  Each print tells a story.  It is up to the viewer to make up his or her own story to go with the art.

About the Artist: Lois Adler-Roussell, with a lifetime of studying art has a MFA in printmaking from San Diego State University and a BFA in art from San Francisco State University. She has won awards for her work in San Francisco, San Diego, New York, and Richmond, Virginia. Her art is in collections all over this country and in Israel.

September/October Exhibition:

"Reincarnated: Eco Art" by Connie Cannon

Exhibition: September 19th - October 11th, 2009

Opening Reception will be held on September 19th from 6pm - 10pm

SPECIAL FEATURE: 

“I am passionate about preserving our resources that end up in our landfills. It disheartens me to know that we are leaving behind so much waste for our next generation. The eco-friendly artist in me is ecstatic about giving an object a whole new life, creating a piece of artwork out of something that was once so precious to us, but has lost its meaning or use. As a Mahayana Buddhist, I believe this process symbolizes reincarnation in the artistic and religious aspect.

In my abstract work, I incorporate action painting using mixed media in creating warm and vibrant colors, expressing my love for texture that appears energetic or reserved. This abstract reflection is a meditative blending of textures and mark-making that reaches across many moods and style.

The exhibition will also feature a site specific cardboard installation created by Connie Cannon in response to the North Park Nights “Creative Cardboard Challenge” and scavenger hunt.  Visit: www.northparknights.org for more details.


August/September Exhibition: The Art of Transitions

The San Diego Art Department is pleased to announce our first Open Call Fundraiser Exhibition. The world is full of transitions, whether it be internal or external, we are all affected by the passage from one form, state, style or place to another. Young to old, college to profession, single to married, daughter/son to mother/father, season to season, rich to poor, life to death.

Exhibition: August 15th thru September 13th, 2009 / Closing Reception: September 12th from 6-9pm

Congratulations to the Award Winners:

Best in Show: Lois Adler-Roussell for “Cleo, Cleo and Monday”
1st Place: Stefano Romano for “My Mother’s Fatal Contribution” 
2nd Place: Lois Adler-Roussell for “VW”
3rd Place: Richard Powers for “New to Old to Gentrified”
Honorable Mention: Mick Conway for “Daughter of the Moon, Nokomis”
People’s Choice: Michael Carini for “When Every Day is a Rainy Day”

The exhibition was juried by Kevin Freitas with Art as Authority. The submission fees and a percentage of the proceeds from the sale of artwork will go toward updating and revamping SDAD classroom equipment and facilities.

Award prizes donated by: Baja Betty’s, California Ballet Company, Children’s Museum, Hornblower, Landmark Theatres, San Diego Chamber Orchestra, San Diego Youth Symphony, Urban Mo’s, Urban Solace... And More!

July/August Exhibition: Third Annual Student Exhibition

SDAD is proud to present our "3rd Annual Student Exhibition" juried by David White, founder of Agitprop Gallery.
The exhibition July 18 - Aug 9, 2009.


Congratulations to our Student Award Winners:
"Best in Show" by Ashley Wendel for "Captured Beauty"
"1st Place" by Diana Gleave for "Lady in Waiting"
"2nd Place" by Jennifer McHugh for "Summer Solstice"
"3rd Place" by M.E. Whitlock Fithian for "Cow"
"Honorable Mention" by Don Scoles for "Across Florida Canyon"

Prizes Donated by: Old Globe Theater, Museum of Photographic Arts, Mingei, Pala Casino, The San Diego Museum of Art, Gamblin Arts, Artist & Craftsman Supply, and General Pencil Company.

The exhibition also features the artwork of Sally Samins, SDAD student, on the "featured artist wall," as well as, other member and instructor artwork throughout the studio!

 

(Photograph and artwork pictured above by Marjorie Taylor)

"Plein Air North Park" - Hosted by The San Diego Art Department in partnership with the California Art Club. We invited artists to take up the challenge of plein air painting and participate in the Premier/First Annual Plein Air North Park competition and exhibition at The San Diego Art Department. This was an opportunity for artists of all levels to participate in a unique event highlighting the North Park Community, its landmarks and the revitalization of the neighborhood.

 
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