first anniversary:PAPER

Once again, the gallery is filled with an incredible variety of outstanding work. 85 artists submitted nearly 200 pieces to PAPER, our our third juried show. While we're more seasoned 'gallerinas' now, and more accustomed to the volume of work submitted, we still continue to be impressed with the quality and breadth of the work we're seeing. Interestingly, about half of the artists who submitted work were new to us, and,while predominantly from Massachusets, came from all over New England and New York.

The juror, James Welu, had a difficult task ahead of him when he came to jury the show last week. He made some tough choices, and selected 47 pieces by 40 artists, for what we believe will be a very strong show. 

Artwork fills the gallery before Juror James Welu's visit.

We asked Jim to talk about the thought process and reasoning behind his selections. He told us that having multiple pieces by a single artist to look at informed his decisions by providing some background and context to the work. He also found it important to see a connection with the theme, paper, although he chose a broad interpretation. He included a number of 3D pieces in the exhibition, and chose works in many different media, including photographs, oils, watercolors, drawings and prints.

The challenge to us, now, is to take his selections and curate a coherent show from a diverse group of pieces. It's a task that we relish, having realized over the past year that this is one of our favorite parts of our work here in the gallery. When you see the show, we think you'll agree we're really fortunate to be surrounded by some of the best art the region has to offer.

Paper runs from January 13- February 5.
Please join us for a Reception on Saturday January 21, from 5-7PM.
The Gallery is open every Fri- Sun from 11-5.

We begin 2012 with 
Fountain Street Fine Art’s 1st Anniversary Open Juried Show.

The theme for this exhibit, PAPER, comes from the traditional symbolic first anniversary gift. Artists are invited to submit original work in any medium that is on, of or about PAPER, to celebrate our first year of operation.

James Welu, Director Emeritus of the Worcester Art Museum, will jury the show. Before stepping down in November, he had served as the Museum’s director since 1986. Welu, also a painter, teacher and scholar, has curated many exhibitions throughout his career. We're thrilled that he has agreed to jury this show.

Jurying will be done from actual work on site.

Drop-Off artwork with entry forms – Monday, 12/19 and Tuesday 12/20, 10AM-2PM and 6-9PM

Notification of acceptance – via email by January 2, 2012.
Exhibition dates - 
Friday, January 13, 2012 - Sunday, February 5, 2012.

Reception Saturday, January 14,  5 – 7 PM.

Please consider submitting your work & forward the blog to anyone you think may be interested.

Complete information and an application is available at

http://www.fountainstreetfineart.com/PAPER

Introductions

December 4, 2010

PRESENT COMPANY Members' Show, November 2011

It was just a year ago we held a 'painting party' and invited our friends and fellow artists to help us tackle the seemingly endless task of painting the 2200sq. ft.gallery. Somehow, with lots of help, we finished.(except for a couple of annoying places where we missed  a spot) Finally.

Was this really just a year ago?

December 2010

Holiday Sale, November 2011

Fast forward to this November. During the Holiday Stroll weekend, over 300 people visited the Gallery,  a terrific turnout. Even so, 'We had no idea you were here!', and 'You're open EVERY weekend?' were frequent comments.  So there's still a major newness factor to be overcome.

If you're reading this, you know about the Gallery- you know that it's open every weekend (Friday through Sunday from 11-5), and that until December 18th we're open additional hours (Thursdays from 10-2 and Friday evenings till 8). You may have visited, or  participated in one of our group shows. You 'get' that the Gallery is one of very few places in Metrowest Boston to see (and purchase) work that is skillfully executed, exciting and new. You're aware that exhibits change monthly, so it's well worth repeat visits.
 

We need your help (once again) to spread the word! 

Here's what you can do-

Introduce us to all your friends...

Invite friends to join you when you visit....

Tell us what you think....

Buy something? (we have a lovely selection of art cards that start at just $4)

And THANK YOU- to those who took a chance with us a year ago (and risked permanent neck damage to paint that ceiling!!)  and to those who continue to support this adventure -look what we've been able to accomplish together!

Coming in 2012...

A CALL FOR ART 2012 Fountain Street Fine Art’s 1st Anniversary Open Juried Show - PAPER

January 13 through February 5, 2012

The theme for this exhibit, PAPER, comes from the traditional symbolic first anniversary gift. We are seeking work in any medium that is on, of or about PAPER, to celebrate our first year of operation.

Complete details at fountainstreetfineart.com/PAPER-call-to-art

fountainstreetfineart.com

59 fountain street

framingham ma 01702

directions

Present Company

Present Company,
our first (ok, everything's our first...) annual Members' Show and Holiday Sale opens tomorrow, November 18th, and runs through December18th.

At this time, our Core Artists are:
Scout Austin, Nan Hass Feldman, Richard Kattman, Roy Perkinson, Jeanne Williamson, and ourselves, Cherie Clinton and Marie Craig. 

Our Associate Artists are:
Lisa Barthelson, Virginia Fitzgerald, Bob Grignaffini, Kay Hartung, James Rayen and Mary Spencer.

 Although the styles and media of these artists vary tremendously, the show has come together beautifully- we're really proud and excited to showcase the work of our colleagues in this show. It's been a pleasure working with all these talented artists, and getting to know them as colleagues and friends.

We'd like to take this opportunity to thank all of the artists who've believed in our idea, and joined us in the adventure. 

We're thrilled by the way our first  Holiday Sale looks as well!  

When we first opened, we invited our neighbor artists in the building to join us as Fountain Street Studios members; we recently expanded to invite all working artists to participate at this non-juried level as Artist Friend Members.

Nearly 40 member artists will have artwork in the Holiday Sale.  We have framed pieces, works on paper, jewelry, ceramics and cards, all available for sale prices from $2- $500.

Please join us for our 

Opening Reception, 

Friday November 18, from 5-9. 

Many studios in the building will also be open, as a preview to Fountain Street Studios annual Holiday Stroll, which takes place on Saturday and Sunday November 19- 20, from 11-5. 
Over 40 artists are scheduled to open their doors this weekend!

Extended Gallery Hours for this show: Thur 10-2, Fri 11-8, Sat-Sun 11-5. 

My how we've grown!

The transition week between shows is always a frantic one, as the previous show comes down to make room for the upcoming one. It was difficult to say goodbye to Beyond the Surface: biological explorations in wax, a show that was beautiful and lush.

The excitement for the new show is palpable, though, as  our many members bring in pieces for our first ever Members' Show and Holiday Sale. Our roster continues to grow, as you can see from the list at left; thirteen core and associate artists at this count. We have expanded our non-juried membership category, once open only to those with studios within our building, to include any working artist. Several new 'Artist Friend' members have joined us recently.



When we wrote our mission statement way back a year ago, we used the acronym 'SEE'...
Support artistic growth of member and resident artists
Expand the audience and collector base for these artists
Educate collectors and the general public about the joys of an art-filled life


and SEE, it's working!

NOTE:We will be closed Veterans' Day Weekend in order to hang the upcoming show.

PRESENT COMPANY opens Friday November 18

Opening Reception

 Friday November 18, from 5-9PM

Several other studios in the building will also be open to preview Fountain Street Studios Holiday Stroll, Nov.19-20, 11-5.

 EXTENDED GALLERY HOURS-

Thursdays 10:30-2:30, Fridays 11-8, and Saturday&Sunday 11-5.

Field Trip

The weather was dismal on Thursday, as we drove to Boston for an often-postponed gallery crawl. Sad to say, because of work and other committments, we don't do this nearly enough. But it kind of felt like an all-you-can eat buffet of some of the best art there is to see in the region. As we're still pretty new at this business, we still feel like underclassmen sometimes, and expected to learn a lot just by observing how other galleries do things. The surprise, though, was just how important seeing the work of artist after artist after artist was in feeding our own creative energies. Over the past year, the left brain's been getting a workout,  as we planned and organized in the gallery, while the right brain's waited patiently for its turn. Seeing the work of others sparked an urgency to get to the studio, try out some ideas, and pay attention to that side of ourselves. The actual hard work of making art often happens in isolation, but  the process is fed and nurtured by a shared experience of the work of others.

No need to drive to Boston, though. There are a couple weekends left to see the work of the eight artists whose work is in the gallery for 'Beyond the Surface', our current encaustic show. Visitors have commented on how diverse yet cohesive the show is, and how strong the work of the individual artists is. Our (biased) opinion is that this is one of our best shows to date. Treat yourself to a look at this show, this weekend. And while you're in the neighborhood, the Danforth Museum's New England Photography Biennial is another must-see exhibit. Gallery visitors can get a free same-day pass to the Danforth Museum.

What does it take to be a collector?

What does it take to be a collector?

One word answer- LOVE (x3)

We know a guy- let’s call him Mike- He’s a collector. Big time. He’s not rich. He’s not fancy. Or Harvard educated (as far as we know). But he’s an art patron, he’s our hero.

We asked him; How does he decide to buy art?

”I’m very picky, he says." if I see something I really love, LOVE-LOVE-LOVE, 

I have to really love it, I buy it.” 

It’s as simple as that. He lives paycheck to paycheck, like a lot of us. He finds a way. He’s passionate about buying art the way those of us who make the art are passionate. 

He pays a little, every paycheck, till it’s his.

There's a reception 

Saturday, October 22nd, 

from 5-7, 

for our current encaustic show,

Beyond the Surface:

biological explorations in wax.

Stop by, 

enjoy the party- 

(who knows, you might fall in LOVE-LOVE- LOVE!)

How to Ship your Artwork- tips from exhibiting artists

Preparing to hang the pieces in Beyond the Surface: Biological Explorations in Wax, our upcoming show, felt a bit like opening presents at holiday time! Several of the artists tapped for this show by guest curator Tracy Spadafora shipped their work, or had it delivered to the gallery by fellow artists. Encaustics can be fragile, although they are much sturdier than they sometimes appear; but every piece of art that is shipped deserves to be treated with utmost care.

We were very impressed by the care and professionalism used by the artists in preparing their work for transport. So much so that we'd like to share with you the tips we learned from them:

1-Pack carefully to protect each piece from shifting in its case. Some work came in boxes which were handmade by the artist to fit the piece exactly. 

2-Label, Label, Label- This piece by Anne Cavanaugh, Vignette (Patricia), was labeled on the outside of the box, on the inside, and on the back of the piece with ALL the pertinent information. The piece was protected on its way to the gallery, but also, if (ok, let's say when) it sells, the box will be used to deliver the work to the buyer. We were particularly impressed by the 'care of encaustics' information enclosed in multiple places, useful when the work is in transit, but especially when it goes to the collector.

3- Enclose directions- and hardware, if necessary- for hanging. We received magnets in one box, tape in another. One box even included a utility knife!

 Kay Hartung's Microcell series, a grouping of nine 6-inch cradled panels hung in a grid pattern, is shown here. The box included the nine panels, well-padded, special tape, and printout showing the arrangement and orientation of the individual pieces. Best of all, Kay included a template on wax paper (a staple for encaustic artists!) indicating exactly where to place the hanging hardware.

It goes without saying, artists use great care to produce each piece; careful packing and labeling ensures that the work will get to its destination intact, and when it is shown, will be exhibited as it was intended to be seen.

Tracy Spadafora, Cultivate, mixed media encaustic.

Beyond the Surface: Biological Explorations in Wax,

a group show of 2- and 3D work in the encaustic medium

is on exhibit from October 7-November 6, 2011

A Reception will be held on October 22, from 5-7PM 

Exhibiting artists are Anne Cavanaugh, Kay Hartung, Joyce Utting Schutter, 

Tracy Spadafora, Donna Hamil Talman, Jean Wallace, Cynthia Winika,

and Gregory Wright.

Last Weekend to see Richard Kattman: Current Work

Last chance to see Richard Kattman's vibrant acrylics;

the show ends Sunday, October 2.

Richare Kattman's never-before exhibited series of vertical paintings on linen.

Kattman chose to hang his newest series,  2x6 ft. acrylics on linen, unstretched, to showcase the texture and detail on the edges, which would otherwise be hidden behind the stretcher frame.  The strong graphic elements and rich colors are evocative of the  Native American blankets which inspired this body of work.

New for October-

Beyond the Surface: Biological Explorations in Wax
an encaustic show curated by Tracy Spadafora.

RIchard Kattman: Current Work, on view through October 2

Richard Kattman discusses his painting,
Butterfingers

 It's really difficult to get a sense of the scale of Richard Kattman's paintings from images in the press or on a screen. Their lush colors and textures, too, pale on reproduction, and really must be experienced in person. Those of us who heard Richard speak during last Sunday's gallery talk learned first-hand how eclectic his inspirations are. Everything from the palette of Picasso during his Rose period, to aerial views of the midwest from a plane, to longing for past summers at Little Compton translate into the paintings on view in this show.

There's still time to see for yourself what is so spectacular about Richard Kattman's current body of work. The Gallery is open Friday-Sunday 11-5.

If those times don't work for you, please contact the gallery- 

by email

fountainstfineart@gmail.com 

or by phone 508-879-4200

We'll be glad to show you around at your convenience.

Baby’s first steps

Richard Kattman: Current Work, on view in the Gallery through October 2, 2011

It’s a year, almost to the day, since we got our first glimpse of the space that would become Fountain Street Fine Art. That first year was a whirlwind, and 12 months later, we have accomplished so many of our initial objectives.

In the beginning, Sept. 2010

Check out this video to see how far we’ve come
www.youtube.com/watch?v=PgZ2xFkzQ68.

Although the gallery’s ‘birthday’, the anniversary of our opening, isn’t till February, for us - the ‘parents’- our second year begins now, in September. Richard Kattman’s fabulous show is our 6^th.The initial buzz and excitement of our startup has worn off. We’re entering the next stage; it’s more difficult now. Our cute new baby is growing, taking steps, forging its identity and presence long-term in local and regional art circles.

We know first-hand the challenges and rewards of the growth phase we’re entering. This fall, in our own families, 3 of our children (we have 6 between us) are entering new phases of their development; one started kindergarten, one high school, one went off to college for the first time. The expectations are higher, the work is harder, but  the accomplishments are even sweeter.

Stick around with us, watch this baby grow!

R. Kattman, Ohio Farmland

Richard Kattman- Current Work

September 9-October 2, 2011

 “Some canvases are my views of the earth as it appears from space. Some are drawn from infinite places located within my subconscious. Others are explorations I take at the speed of light to places I imagine in deep outer space. These artworks portray the fragility of life and the known universe… I use really big brushes that you can put a lot of paint on fast. For me, making a painting is like shooting through space.”

-Richard Kattman

Please join us for an artist reception 

Saturday September 17^th from 5-7 PM

and a conversation with the artist 

Sunday Sept. 18^th at 3 PM

in the gallery.

Both events are free and open to the public.

For October, guest curator Tracy Spadafora  presents

We're BAAACK!

It's good to be back! The gallery re-opened today after our August break, and it was wonderful to put the sign out by the road, turn on the lights, the music, and talk with the visitiors who stopped by to see Richard Kattman's paintings on opening day.

Richard Kattman installs his paintings in the gallery .

Dates to remember-

Richard Kattman's show runs through Oct.2

      

Reception 

Sat. 9/17, 5-7PM

Artist Talk 

Sun. 9/18, 3 PM

Due to scheduling conflicts, Ariane Goodwin's workshop is rescheduled to June 9, 2012. 

Ariane Goodwin

We've both struggled with writing our artist statements, which are essential to every artist's career. After a battle to find the right words, we've often found that what we had written wasn't what we wanted to convey- it was verbose, vague, or lame (sometimes all 3!) That's why we're thrilled to invite nationally known artist coach Ariane Goodwin to the gallery for a workshop she calls 

"Writing Your Artist Statement Doesn’t Have To Hurt:-> Nail It Once And For All!"

Ariane Goodwin, Ed.D., author of Writing The Artist Statement: Revealing The True Spirit of Your Work, privately coaches artists on developing art-career strategies, and is the organizer  and host of the annual art career conference, the smARTist® Telesummit. 

The cost for this workshop is $75.00 Because this is especially important for new artists, we are offering a $10. student discount.

Register online at http://www.FountainStreetFineArt.com

Complete information is available at FountainStreetFineArt.com

It's been a great summer - Gearing up for FALL

Richard Kattman, Liftoff!

 We were pleased by the positive comments we received about Industrial Strength (our summer show, juried by Howard Yezerski), both in  Artscope magazine and from our many visitors. This reinforced our opinion that this show was perhaps our best group effort yet. We enjoyed conversations with people of all ages, especially the comments and questions of the students and summer campers who stopped by. We even had the occasional canine visitor! 

We've made good use of the more relaxed summer atmosphere, as well, by working on some longer term projects. We've got a new logo, designed by Lisa Thompson, and are putting it to use on all our publicity materials, including new signage which will be unveiled when we re-open in September. We've streamlined our data entry and bookeeping, two un-sexy but essential components of running a gallery. Our two fantastic interns. Anne and Emma, researched and designed a brochure that informs our visitors of all the great choices for dining around the gallery, and provides a map and list of other things to do in the area. (Make sure you pick one up next time you stop in.) We even found the time to freshen up the space with a coat of paint!

Our major 'top secret’ project for the summer has been to plan our offerings for the fall, winter and spring of 2011-2012. We’ll be unveiling the fall/winter lineup when we reopen September 9^th.

We’re very excited to exhibit the work of  

Richard Kattman

  Sept. 9^th to Oct. 2^nd 

 Join us for a

Public Reception Saturday Sept. 17^th from 5-7 PM,

 and for an

Artists’ Conversation on Sunday Sept. 18^th at 3 PM.

Find out what inspires Richard to create large his vibrant paintings that explode with color and life.

Relax, Replenish, Recharge

We're busy planning for the 2011-2012 season. 

Details to be revealed when we reopen September 9th.

Next up-

Richard Kattman-

Large, luscious paintings

On view Sept.9 - Oct.2

Reception Sept.17th 

Artist conversation Sept. 18th

Stay tuned!

Quite a few people stopped by for our INDUSTRIAL STRENGTH Art, Beer and WIngs Benefit Reception on July 30. It was a really fun evening, and the beer and wings were excellent!

Quite a few people stopped by for our INDUSTRIAL STRENGTH Art, Beer and WIngs Benefit Reception on July 30. It was a really fun evening, and the beer and wings were excellent!

Special thanks goes to our new friends, John Hebert, owner of Paper City Brewery in Holyoke, MA,  and Eric Hendler, one of 3 brothers who are Jack's Abby, Framingham's newest (and finest) brewery. We'd also like to thank the folks at The Bone and Simply Serving, who contributed to the evening.
Thanks to everyone, we were able make a generous donation to the Salvation Army's recovery efforts in the aftermath of the tornados in Western Massachusetts. 

We will be closed in August for a much-needed recharge.

The gallery reopens September 9th, with a show of Richard Kattman's large, vivid canvasses.

We'll also be busy planning our exhibits and programming for the 2011-2012 season.
Stay tuned!