"Narrative Figuration" at the Weston

Daniel Brown's curating project at the Weston Art Gallery features five Cincinnati painters who explore narrative themes through figurative subjects. The show includes five friends and colleagues who all attended the University of Cincinnati's College of Design, Architecture, Art, and Planning.

Robert Anderson, Daniel O'Connor, Tim Parsley,

Emil Robinson and Tina Tommaro represent a look into what Brown suggests is "the makings of a new Cincinnati school."

After observing the 40 plus paintings in the exhibition, one thing that becomes clear is that these artists are distinctive. The paint handling and compositions are clearly different takes on the observed world.

Daniel O'Connor stands out as the most relevant painters of the group. The collection of works present a theatre of mundane life as a cluttered presentation. O'Connor's compositions contrast the group of painters, by the complexity of elements in the arrangements. In the world of art trends, painters are often forced to simplify. Thankfully O'Conner goes against the grain of minimalism and has the guts to say that life is filled with stuff and creates paintings that celebrate a less idealized existence. The imagery is stuffed full with books, shelves, tables, blankets, and couches. Figures fill the compositions in unusual ways, often presented in a juxtaposition between two figures or portions of the figure. The open compositions look into an intimate environment,  appearing to be a more appropriate reflection of the times.

Daniel O'Connor's group of paintings are all about the paint. It is refreshing to see the material dance on the surface and it is easy to see that Daniel is interested in what the material's do. In these paintings there is no need for an even blend, nor to shy away from the palette knife. The paint is thick and juicy, layered to perfection. Approaching O'Connor's painting is recommended.

Narrative Figuration runs from March 25 - June 5, 2001 at

The Weston Art Gallery.

Image Top: Daniel O'Connor, Four Feet of Spring, Oil on Linen, 52.5"x51", 2009

Image Bottom: Daniel O'Connor, Dear God, Thank You for Friends, Oil on Linen, 43"x53.5", 2009

Thanks

 parProjects 

FUNKe FIRED ARTS

A trip of sheer curiosity landed me at FUNKe FIRED ARTS -- a gallery, studio, and education space located in the Hyde Park/Oakley area of Cincinnati. Along the way (at art openings, etc.), I'd met a couple of people that work or worked in the space, so I decided to check it out for myself.

What a great decision that was [patting myself on the back].

At FUNKe, the atmosphere is quite pleasant and maybe even a bit jovial. Artisans are working privately. Open classes are being held around clay wheels. Preparations for upcoming exhibitions are taking place behind mystical curtains. Still, folks like Kirk Mayhew are willing to stop everything they're doing to show you around and introduce you to their education schedule and gallery offerings (currently showing the 3rd Annual Member's Show) ...the reason for this post.

The current exhibition at FUNKe FIRED ARTS was a bit of a treat. A slew of skill levels are represented, but the standouts do just that ...stand out.

Now accepting proposals for Movement

Aside from our educational components (mentioned last post), we're continuing our efforts to provide outstanding fine art exhibitions to you, our public.

Our next major exhibition is coming up this June (2011) and, ARTISTS, you now have a chance to involve yourself in our next experience! Above is an image of Clifton Cultural Arts Center (Clifton, Cincinnati, OH). This is where the kinetic-themed show, "Movement", will be home-based. CCAC will also be accompanied by a few shipping-container-gallery-spaces spread throughout the city of Cincinnati, OH.

Hopefully, this combination of venues already has your interest!

So please apply or suggest a talented artist and/or art collective you know to do the same. As long as the work incorporates moving parts, your proposal will be accepted for consideration.

Details on how to apply can be found/downloaded HERE ...or after the break
(click Read more >> below).

Thanks again,
 parProjects 

Tonight's the night!

The work is in place ...and we're set to have a great time tonight!

The event is @ 424 Findlay Street (above Carl Solway Gallery) 8p Until ...all are welcome!

Showing tonight are:

Antonio Adams, Mary Bahr Rhodes, Keith Banner, Tanner Brown, Stevene Childress, Curtis, Demone, Tony Dotson, Anita Douthat, Mark Flanigan, Chris Hoeting, Billy Holodnak, Dale Jackson, Jamie Payne, Bill Renschler, Jared Rosenacker, Bill Ross, Jonathan Sears, Tom Towhey ...and more!

New years with parProjects

If you still don't have plans for New Years Eve and/or would like to have an affordable good time with a group of like minded artists, you're welcome to come join our celebration!

In a bit of impromptu fashion, we've decided to team up with Mary Barr Rhodes and help host a nice and simple New Years Eve show/party ...and all are invited. We'll be hanging work of local artists (the finalized list is coming soon) and bringing in the year with style. Light refreshments will be provided, but of course you're more than welcome to bring your own party favors.

The festivities will be starting around 8p and taking place at 424 Findlay Street, Cincy, OH 45214 Suite 2B (above the Carl Solway Gallery) ...and there will be no admission to join the party as we're all artists (or art appreciators) and know how things are in these tough times.

So come see some art and join the party if you're FREE.

Cheers!
 parProjects 

Kinetics In Clifton!

You might ask...What exactly is Kinetics in Clifton?

Along with our development of the shipping container structure, we're planning and executing programming examples for the business and non-profit ends of the project. So currently, parProjects is partnering with organizations in the Clifton area of Cincinnati.

http://www.cliftonculturalarts.org/index.html

After an extremely busy day of meetings in Clifton, the next (major) exhibition appears to have been green lighted! So, if all goes well, in 2011, we'll be presenting the public with a Kinetic focused exhibition at Clifton Cultural Arts Center ...and beyond.

Containers and Kinetic Installations?!? Please stay tuned for future updates!

What we do...

We've realized, we can't expect you to understand why we'd be able to run the art space we're trying to create without showing you a little more about who we are and what we've done in the past. So below, we're attaching some images of the last art event we held as parProjects.



The above images are from The State of Matter glass exhibition we held in Northside, Cincinnati. Along with the help of the community, we organized and presented an array of glass artworks (from Chicago, Cincinnati, Louisville and Pittsburgh), demonstrations and open studios. Live glass-blowing, flame working, and lathe demos were also enjoyed by the public ...as well as the glass exhibition that took place in three venues ...all within walking distance of one another.

Also to note: We used this show to introduce the shipping container (as gallery space) idea to the public as well ...and received great reviews.

Till next time,

 parProjects