D.art durangoartnews.com

June/July 2012

Expose yourself to PlastographyDurango Exhibit

In this issue:

Manny Valenzuela Caitlin Connaughton Mary Kenez Jo Ellen Bourg

A Big Bike LOVE

“A Big Bike Love” Exhibit • Gallery 530 • 530 Main Ave • Durango, CO • 303-442-7790

Summer 2012

1....................... Letter from the Editor3............. Manny Valenzuela5...................... Plastographer Jo Ellen Bourg7...................... Plastographer Mary Kenez9.................... Pottery on 20310....... Caitlin Connaughton11........... Durango Art Walk13............. Debra Greenblatt15................... Tim Kapustka17.................. Ravelle Celaya19............. Connie Townsend21................ A Big Bike Love

“chicken-tini” - Jo Ellen Bourg

“Expose yourself to Plastography “ • Gallery 530 • 530 Main Ave • Durango, CO • 303-442-7790

Summer 2012

D.art to the point

“Bikin’ Betty Luna” - Mary Kenez

Dear Readers,

Welcome to the second issue of D.art , Durango ArtNews!

D.art will focus on showcasing contemporary artistsfrom the four corners area.

The first off-shoot of Telluride Art News, my hope is that this small regional publication climbs to anational audience via Art News Group. Thru the technology of ISSUU we will instantly be an online publication as well as a short run local print magazine. Thank you to the artists of Durango who sent in theirinfo for these first 2 issues

Drop by Gallery 530 located at 530 Main Ave in beauti-ful downtown Durango, Colorado. Gallery 530 features local artist Manny Valenzuela, Caitlin Connaughton, Jo Ellen Bourg and Mary Kenez

D.art explores Plastography in this issue. “Breathing Life into Plastic” continues as an exceptionalexhibit in Durango. Gallery 530, 530 Main Ave in Durango - open 7 days a week. Gallery530.com

Gallery 530 is thrilled to be a part of the Thursday Night Art Walk. Inaugural Walk , June 7th 2012 5-8 pm.(see Page 11)

D.art welcomes artists to submit art of all media types, to be considered for Gallery 530, in Durango and Kamruz Gallery, in Telluride. Submissions will be considered for D.art /T.art magazine and for durangoartnews.com/ tellurideartnews.com.

Celebrating the BICYCLE as art and as a way of lifeis “A Big Bike Love” exhibit. Photographs and prints from myself and other local artists including, Dieter Runge. Timely with the Pro Cycling Challenge coming to the area. Timely, because bikes season is here...Iron Horse 2012 looms!

Call for entries for “A Big Bike Love” is open thru May 2012. Please contact me : editor@durangoartnews.com

Mary KenezEditor

Durango Art News is published and printed by:

Telluride Paper Chase333 W. Colorado AveTelluride, CO 81435

(970)728-0235 editor@tdurangoartnews.com tellurideartnews.com

Editor: Mary KenezPublisher: Katie DeFrancesco

Design and Website: DigitalChloe.com logo and images ©2012 D.art & Mary Kenez 1

cover: “Leader of the Band” - Manny Valenzuela & “Maggie’s Bike” - Mary Kenez

Plastography.com

Photo: Clay Patton

Mary KenezEditor

2

“Bikin’ Bettys” - Mary Kenez

“Maggie’s Bike” - Mary Kenez“Leader of the Band” - Manny Valenzuela

Manny ValenzuelaBorn and raised in Tucson, ArizonaHispanic HeritagePrincipal works are acrylic on canvas paintings, cast bronze and welded steel sculpture.

Manny is a dynamic, Contemporary Artist.

His sculptures and paintings are inspired by his colorful heritage.

“Many of my paintings are metaphors of personal relationships that convey a message using western infl uences. I love using my artwork to express that special bond between a parent and his/her kids. Bright colors and textures are mixed in a contemporary fashion creating a unique interpretation of the world around us. The combination of subject and technique brings character and fl air to a room while still embracing a deeper meaning. Everyone has something to say I just prefer to communicate with metal or paint.”

“I mainly work with western fi gures because of the poetic lifestyle they lead. It appears simple yet contains a complexity that goes beyond what seems obvious. I love creating paintings that stir emo-tion. It’s a great feeling to know you’ve touched someone’s heart or put a smile on their face. My style is minimalistic because of its ability to best convey the message with very little distraction. Some of the designs are derived from childhood memories and others represent my relationship with my own kids.”

Pre-historic art, western icons, and personal life experiences infl uence the designs for his sculpture. A contemporary touch coupled with a southwestern fl avor is evident in his artwork. His contemporary abstract pieces consist of visual metaphors, symbolizing both personal and global representations.

Manny creates sculpture using welded steel and cast bronze. These mediums are selected for their permanency and value. He is involved in every step of the process to ensure the highest level of qual-ity. His goal is to create artwork that provides enjoyment and a sound investment.

3“Visionary”

“Country Road”

“Gaucho 5 Red”-Sculpture

4

“Summer Breeze”

“Stetson” “Back in Black”

“Gaucho 5 Red”-Sculpture

5

Jo Ellen BourgOn plastography? It’s not for eveyone...but if if it’s for you, you know it; you love it. What some have called “dark”, “pointless”, or “disturbing”- I call funny. Hence, the beauty of art. Actually, in all honesty, I did capture a few shots that may have given me slight nightmares.

“Th e Bath House” “Shadow Woman”

“Hula She-Weed”

“Martini Babies”

“Shadow Woman”

“Hula She-Weed”

6art imitating life.

PlastographyJo Ell en Bourg

“Plum Crazy”

“B/W Malts”

“Peppermint Patty”

“Smokin’ Chicks”

“Dino Latte”

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PlastographyMary Kenez

“Zeiss Ikon”

“Cabbage Cowboy”

“Cabbage Cowboy”

“Squirrel Party”

“Zeiss Ikon”

“Cabbage Cowboy”

8

Mary KenezFor me Plastography is the natural world combined with the unatural world... of plastic. I attempt to incorporate the living with the “dead” in most of my plastography. Th e art is also about movement and storytelling ... a rooster crowing, a ravenous dinosaur...an angry bear, all come to life in the world of plastography. Hopefully you will fi nd a plastograph that inspires you... “A Life of Plastic is Fantastic!”

“Frisky the Snowman”

“Durango Damsel”

“Dorothy and Toto Float”

Kay Harper Roberts

“Big Red House” clay monoprint

“Mystery Man” clay monoprint

My pots are slabs of clay that give me a surface to decorate with colored slips,glazes and texture. I have been doing this for over 25 years. About 10 years ago I engaged in the unique process of clay mono printing. A clay mono print is a print pulled from a clay slab using col-ored clay slips. The process involves applying these slips creating patterns, color, and textures. When I am working I try to avoid thinking to much and allow the process to expose itself. A close interaction with the materials is essential in the exploration of space and spontaneity within the slab. Being an emotional response to the natural world around me or the abstract that evolves without a preconceived image or theme, the slab always leads me to tell a tale.

Scott K. Roberts

In the best of handwork there is a quality which exist beyond technique alone. Those who are open to it will recognize it as life, human spirit manifested through the marriage of reason

and intuition. This is the promise of possibilities. That something as common as a cup or bowl might somehow transcend its intended function to become something much greater than a simple utensil for the holding of food and drink. This quality keeps the handmade pot not only

relevant but vital to our daily lives.

Pottery On 2034246 CR 203

Durango, Colorado 81301970.247.3393,

quiensabe@frontier.net , KHRobertsClayandCloth.blogspot.com skroberts@frontier.net , SKRobertsPottery.blogspot.com

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Caitlin Connaughton

I am an artist and art educator who grew up in New York City andgraduated from the School of Visual Arts. As an intuitive painter, I paintwith the intention to use the creative process to connect with my inner lifeand journey into the world of the soul mind. I trust my intuition to bring meto engage with Spirit and let the painting lead me to express from an openheart, letting go of control and being present without judgement. It is both aplayful and transformative experience that allows me to createauthentically.

“Emergence”

“Lyric of the Black Cloud”

caitlinconnaughton@gmail.com(970) 759-0781

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first thursdays

art walk

first thursdays

art walk

first thursdays

art walk

Featuring Durango Art GalleriesDurango Arts Center • Earthen Vessel GalleryGallery 530 • Sorrel Sky GalleryToh-Atin Gallery • Wildshots Gallery

Other Venues Offering ArtEno • Rochester Hotel & BarSteaming Bean • Steve Gates Architect

Inaugural WalkJune 7, 20125 to 8 p.m.and continuingevery first Thursdayof the month

first thursdays

art walk durango

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“A Big Bike Love” Summer 2012 • Gallery 530 • 530 Main Ave • Durango, CO

©2012 Kamruz.com

“A Big Bike Love” Exhibit • Gallery 530 • 530 Main Ave • Durango, CO & Kamruz Gallery • 333 W. Colorado Ave • Telluride, CO • 303-442-7790

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“A Big Bike Love” Poster available at Gallery 530 & Gallery530.com

I was raised in the exurbs of New York City and spent a fair amount of my youth at museums, galleries, and other cultural hot spots in NYC. I migrated to Vermont and Montana to study visual art and then found myself being an artist in California ( both northern and southern) for

16 years. To educate and raise my children in a more real place, we moved to Durango almost 20 years ago. Because of the geographic isola-

tion of Durango, I became more involved in conceptual, installation, and public art. Th e Dumpster Beautifi cation Program grew out of the

desire to see more art in unlikely places while giving kids-at-risk a legal way to express themselves. Lately established artists in Durango have

come onboard drawing designs and mentoring the youths through the paint process. Th e project is open to anyone in the community. Paint on.

my youth at museums, galleries, and other cultural hot spots in NYC. I

moved to Durango almost 20 years ago. Because of the geographic isola-

desire to see more art in unlikely places while giving kids-at-risk a legal

paint process. Th e project is open to anyone in the community. Paint on.

Debra Greenblatt

13

2012 Exhibit

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Bonnie Wardartist and owner “ Th e Clay Room” Durango, Colorado

I have been an art instructor and early childhood professional for over 20 years. I currently teach for the Shared School /public school art program as well as for The Durango Art

Center’s summer and after school art enrichment program. I am married, have two amazing children and Cyrus, the dog.

My mission for this paint your own pottery studio is to provide a creative environment for people of all ages and abilities to feel successful and be happy. Thus my web site’s name…

”artandlaughter.com”

Plastography...

2012 Exhibit 530 Main Ave - Durango, CO

Tim KapustkaTim Kapustka is a Graphic Deisgner. Tim’s foraysinto the design world happen under the banner ofCabbage Creative. Tim is also a founding member

of Studio & in Durango, Colorado. You can fi nd himthere most days, spinning plates and yarns.

Tim was born and raised on the lower peninsulaof Michigan. His midwestern roots are somethingthat he’s very proud of. He still has a thriving love

affair with the city of Detroit and that city’sbaseballers, the Tigers.

He’s happy to be here and likes your shirt.

To fi nd out more about stuff like this, please visitwww.cabbagestudio.com or www.anddurango.com

Tim Kapustka

15

Year One, Digital print, 18"x24The Garden of Eden, Digital print,

14"x18Atlantis, Digital print, 14"x18

The Bermuda Triangle, Digital print, 14"x18

16

Elizabeth Kinahanis a visual artist who creates representational images of scenes common around her Southwest Colorado home. The magpies that confer on the front lawn each morn-ing, the poppies that grow with relentless force every Spring, the jersey heifer who

nods her hello from behind the fence on the county road. These are the pictures of life in the four corners region, and they are exactly the things Elizabeth seeks to highlight. Often positioned against a stark or abstract background, the subject now lives in a world which exists only to support it. With animals being her fi rst love and greatest passion, the goal of all her work is to impart to the viewer a sense of joy and splendor, an awakening to the magnifi cent nature of the world we share.

Danielle, oil on panel, 24”x18” Durango June, oil on canvas, 40”x30” How Now, oil on canvas, 36”x48”

Bobby Diba

began documenting his life with snapshots of friends and family when he was given his fi rst camera at the age of eleven. As his interest grew,

Bobby began experimenting with traditional darkroom and digital photog-raphy. His talent and passion won him a scholarship to the prestigious Art Center College of Design in Pasadena, CA. He graduated in 2009. He has been living in Durango for two years working on ranches and running a

wedding photography business.

17

Ravelle Celaya

i began painting in high school and very soon fell in love with watercolor for its immediacy and spontaneity. i loved to watch the paints paint themselves, then i would fill in with the details. Since that time i have learned a more disciplined way of painting and maybe even a little more successful in terms of painting a subject and having it look like what i’m envisioning or feeling at the time. my intention these days is to simply paint what i am attracted to around me in the most interesting way i can. creativity for the sake of creativity. which these days happens to be watercolor on yupo. yupo is a very smooth paper much different than traditional watercolor paper. it has its own challenges and its own charms.

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Butterfl y, (detail), oil and acrylic on canvas, 60”x48”

Colluvium, oil and acrylic on canvas, 60”x60”

Rose Sitting, oil and acrylic on canvas, 48”x48”

Bradley KachnowiczBradley Kachnowicz studio

Durango, Colorado970 375 7796

bkachnowicz@gmail.comwww.bkachnowicz.com

Bradley’s artistic works blend abstract, impressionistic and representational styles to inspire a deeperunderstanding and heightened awareness on a variety of themes. Working primarily with oil, acrylic,

gesso and fi bers, Bradley endeavors to challenge his viewer’s thought processes and emotions, layeringcolor, substance and texture to create a provocative tone for each painting. A lover and advocate of

nature, the environment, authenticity and truth, Bradley’s passion and values are refl ected in each piece that he creates, calling forth his talent and insight to emerge on the canvas. His artistic style and vision

are continuously evolving to meet new and fresh perspectives. Bradley is a full-time artist, maintains a studio in Durango, Colorado, and is represented by the Arroyo Gallery in Santa Fe, New

Mexico.

“You Make My Heart Wag” 24 x 20 - oil

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“4 X 4 X 2” - 30 x 24 - oil

Kamruz Gallery - welcomes Connie Townsend

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“Dog Heaven” 14” x 18” - Oil

Connie Townsend

“Rovers 30 x 24”- oil20

21

“A Big Bike Love” Exhibit • Gallery 530 • 530 Main Ave • Durango, CO • 303-442-7790

Summer 2012-

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Photography - Mary Kenez

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Photography - Mary Kenez

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“A Big Bike Love” Exhibit • Gallery 530 • 530 Main Ave • Durango, CO • 303-442-7790

“Plastography” Exhibit • Gallery 530 • 530 Main Ave • Durango, CO • 303-442-7790

Summer 2012