Juan Francisco Guzmán

In the Sololá region of Guatemala, Juan Francisco Guzmán is known as an inspiring, demanding, life-changing high school teacher and the director of the school’s Spanish language arts curriculum. His writing won the national prize for literature. But, Guzmán is also famous worldwide as a highly-acclaimed artist who is one of Guatemala’s most celebrated painters.

On Saturday, July 31 from 11 am to 3 pm Charlene’s Gallery Ten in Gills Rock will host a very special one-day Trunk Show of his paintings. Lea B. Pellett, an emeritus professor of anthropology at Christopher Newport University in Newport News, Virginia is responsible for bringing his work from Guatemala to the USA, literally carrying this collection of rolled paintings here by hand. Some will be exhibited on stretchers and some remain as un-mounted works.

Reality and fantasy are the intersecting qualities of Guzmán’s work. He explains that his art is an evolutionary consequence of his personal search for meaning by inspecting man’s nature since pre-Columbian times until today. At 1 pm on Saturday, Jodi Kacer will present a talk on the artist and his Mayan heritage.

“I resonate to the message that he sends with his art,” Kacer explains. “And I am passionate about it. His art is a fusion of modern plastic and primitive indigenous arte-naif, rich in symbolism. Splashes of surrealism spring forth uncontrollably in a mysterious blend of the real and fantasy.”

Born in Santiago Atitlan, Guatemala, Guzmán has been painting for more than 25 years. His cultural immersion there permits him to create his own original techniques and schemes resulting in a synthesis of Guatemala’s metabolic, undulating magic and reality. The thrilling colors, the symbolism and the backgrounds all harmonize into a unified real and magical form.

“Guzman has a deep appreciation of the Mayan culture and his artwork captures that essence magnificently,” says Richard Morgan, Director of the Cultural Center Los Encuentros.

Juan Francisco Guzmán is “the magic expressionist of religious celebration and the piercing scream of the pueblo,” says Maria Jose Torres, Nicte-Arte, Spain. “Poet, philosopher, educator; Guzman travels with his work through space reflecting on the nature of the spirit, while charged with a limitless emotion. Guzman has exhibited in North America, Guatemala and Spain. In Spain he is known for his ability at composition and in particular control of backgrounds, a stylistic characteristic symbol.”

Learn more about the merging of ancient and pre-Columbian beginnings with modern art trends and the social and cultural life of Guatemala in this one-day exhibition of paintings by Juan Francisco Guzmán.

Charlene’s Gallery Ten represents over 100 artists in a gallery collection that is contemporary, original and eclectic. GT Coffee, complements the gallery, serving espresso drinks and Door County cherry pie by-the-slice open daily from 8 AM to 5 PM with free Wi-FI. The gallery is open daily from 10 AM to 5 PM (closed Tuesdays) at 12625 Hwy. 42 in Gills Rock, Wisconsin. Telephone 920.854.9907 for further information of visit on-line at www.GalleryTen.com.

The Second City comedy troupe went into business on December 16, 1959, taking its name from a derisive profile of Chicago in The New Yorker at a time when Chicago was the second most populated city in the U.S. – and feeling just a just a bit miffed at those snobs in Manhattan. It was almost as if the young comedians felt they had something to prove.

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And prove it they did! Success was almost instantaneous, and today Second City is the world’s most famous improvisational theater company, second to no one. Today, Second City has branched out taking their shows on the road, presenting topical comedy sketches custom-tailored to delight live audiences all over the world. Using few props and costumes, punctuating scenes with original music, the ensemble creates a slice-of-life environment, lampooning our modern lives – political, social and cultural.

Not only will they be performing here in Door County this evening, but the show is free! Bring lawn chairs, blankets, picnic treats, beer coolers, whatever and enjoy an evening of fun out on the lawn at the Peg Egan Performing Arts Center on Church Street in Egg Harbor.

“This is our first theater program,” says Terry Lundahl, festival coordinator. “We are expecting a great crowd! Join us at 7 pm in Egg Harbor!”

For more info please call 920.493.5979.

Lundahl adds, “Also, beware audience members… you might be asked to join the troupe on stage!”

No charge for admission, thanks to the Village of Egg Harbor for making all of this possible!

The Village of Egg Harbor recently did something a bit out of the ordinary for a small community.  They created an ordinance and formed an official Public Art Committee.

Village President, Nancy Fisher, comments on this decision. “We’re so delighted that our community has chosen to embrace the idea of placing art throughout the village.  Of course these installations will enhance the visitors’ experience, but perhaps even more importantly, they help to create a beautiful environment in which to live and work year-round.”

Artistic rendering of Richard Edelman's "Blue Sail" sculpture to be installed at the Egg Harbor Marina later this summer.

The first artistic creation to be accepted is “Blue Sail” by Milwaukee sculptor Richard Edelman. Edelman has met with the Art Committee and the Village engineer and is crafting this work in his studio right now.  This initial creation is expected to be installed in time for the grand opening of the new marina on August 14.

“Blue Sail” will be located in the upland area of the marina, visible from both Harbor View Park and the docks.  It is delicate, yet created from steel to withstand all the waterside elements.  Each person will see something different depending on their perspective, time of day, and sky conditions framing the piece.  Edelman designed “Blue Sail”, which is a towering 18 feet tall, specifically for this spot in this marina.The piece is on extended loan to the Village.  Edelman’s work is represented by Woodwalk Gallery, located in Egg Harbor.

“The Village of Egg Harbor finds itself in the fortunate position of having beautiful vistas and large parks where a sculpted, carved or painted piece would create additional interest,” adds Fisher.  “We’re taking a place that is already naturally beautiful and making it even more breathtaking by adding art that is of the highest quality and promises to enhance, but not overshadow, that beauty.”

The public art installations are being funded by room tax revenue monies, not by property tax dollars.  Egg Harbor looks forward to announcing additional special works to be placed in other village locations in the future.

For more information on the new art installations, please contact the Village of Egg Harbor Administrator, Josh Van Lieshout or Village President, Nancy Fisher at 920.868.3334.

Krishna and Arjuna by Ram Rojas

Muralist and painter Ram Rojas will exhibit a retrospective collection of his paintings at Harmony Café Fox Valley in Appleton, opening with an artist’s reception on Friday, July 16 from 5:30 pm ‘til closing (10 pm). Rojas is known and respected for his works in several genres that include on-site murals, studio portraits, landscapes and spiritual art derived from his love of eastern religions. He calls this show an “autobiographical display of my interests and passions.”

Ram (pronounced rah-m) was born in Caracas, Venezuela. At 14 years of age, he was selected from among students at Venezuela’s National Art Academy to travel to the United States along with other young artists from Europe, China and Australia to study at the Academy of Vedic Art in Los Angeles, CA. While he was there, an international publishing company took note of this very-disciplined young artist. His masterful pieces became a regular addition to their books and magazines covering a wide variety of interests. He sought further classical training in Europe where he studied Old Master’s works, living and painting mostly in Florence, Italy.

His work continued to appear in multi-language publications around the world; illustrating history, religion, art, mythology, philosophy and science books. Ram’s publishers sent him on an educational tour of India where he studied ancient cultures, techniques and theory of Asian art. Rojas eventually returned to the USA to continue his studies at Barnstone Studios in Philadelphia, where he consolidated his diverse, worldwide experiences with the universal principles of design, anatomy, composition and color theory. Following the completion of his studies, he moved to California where he focused on classic representational art and portraiture.

Gotrock Farms by Ram Rojas

“Over the years my art has undergone an evolution derived from the places I have lived and studied in and the surrounding historic and philosophical influences that those different cultures have brought into my focus,” says Rojas. ”This show will provide an opportunity for my fans and friends to see glimpses of the path I have travelled and how it has affected my work.”

More than a decade ago Ram Rojas discovered Door County, bought and restored a classic home in Sturgeon Bay and established his studio there. He has been painting on canvas and walls ever since, including a mural in the Walls of Wittenberg project and a current work underway at The Clearing in Ellison Bay. Rojas will present an artist’s talk followed by a Q&A at 7 pm on the evening of the Harmony Café opening.

Rojas will present a talk followed by a Q&A at 7 pm on the evening of the opening.

Debra Hadraba

At 8 pm he has arranged for St. Paul singer/songwriter Debra Hadraba to perform some of her latest songs on stage. Known for her work as a founding member of Braveheart Women Global Community, she has just released her first experimental multi-media CD, which consists of 7 original songs, 3 e-books and more than 20 of her zany video performance pieces and animations. The Harmony Café will provide drinks and snacks at the opening and there is no change to attend. Ram Rojas’ paintings will be on exhibit throughout July and August.

“I welcome the opportunity to show my work at this ideal spot,” says Ram Rojas. “Much more than just a café, Harmony invites the entire community to gather in friendship with great food and entertainment.”

Harmony Café Fox Valley is located at 233 E. College Avenue in Appleton, Wisconsin. They are open Monday through Wednesday from 7 am – 9 pm; Thursday through Saturday from 7 am – 10 pm and Sunday from 9 am – 8 pm. For more information please call 920.734.2233 or e-mail: harmonycafe@gwicc.org.

The school will be located in a new facility in the Lake Michigan shoreline town of Algoma, 12 miles north of Kewaunee. The move will be completed just in time for the commencement of the 2010-2011 school year which begins August 31.

Previous to the move, the Academy was located in a grand old refurbished dairy barn in Kewaunee.

“We have all cherished and enjoyed our residence at the ‘Big Barn’. However, it is time to open the second chapter of the Kewaunee Academy of Fine Art and this move will facilitate a new era.” says Norma Bell, Owner, Manager, and Executive Director.

The new Algoma location at 316-318 Steele Street, is a vintage 1905 brick building. The space will provide 3,000 square feet of open floor plan, 13 foot tall ceilings that have decorative tin tiles and cornices, hardwood floors and many other vintage appointments.

Craig Blietz, Artistic Director of the Academy, says “Each day we strive to improve upon what we provide to our students and this new facility presents us with another opportunity to do so. The authentic early 20th Century character inherent in the architecture of this building will infuse our curriculum and the educational experience, bringing forth the atmosphere and quality of 19th century art schools in Paris and Munich.”

With Dick Bell’s departure Norma Bell becomes the sole proprietor and administrator of the Academy. Craig Blietz remains the Artistic Director. The school will also retain the name “Kewaunee Academy of Fine Art.” The Academy will host a Grand Opening Celebration with details available soon.

Before the Grand Opening Party there will be a Moving Sale…

The Barnsite Gallery and the Kewaunee Academy of Fine Art will host a moving sale on Saturday, July 17 from 9 am to 4 pm at the current location: 109 Duvall St. in Kewaunee.

Art and Craft Supplies Including:

Stretch Canvas
Hard Board Panels
Tracing Paper
Paper Pallets
Frames
Maimeri Watercolors
Water Based Oils
Colored Pencils
Self Healing Mats
Art Spectrum Sanded Pastel Paper
Canson Paper
Fabriano Paper
T-Squares
Canvas Panels
Plus More

Furniture Including:

3 Beds (1800s)
Assortment of Chairs
Trunks/Wooden Boxes
Hutch
Plus More

Woodworking Equipment

Too many things to list
Everything is Priced to sell

More information on the Kewaunee Academy of Fine Art can be found online at www.kewauneeacademy.com or by calling 920.388.4391 or 925.963.7023.

Created on an iPod...

Attendees will also have the chance to view the international exhibit “The World at Our Fingertips,” currently on exhibit at Flying Pig Gallery and Greenspace. Susan Murtaugh, one of the participating artists, will be our special guest for the evening.

James Andrew Beard was an eccentric chef and personality whom many consider to be the father of American gourmet cooking. In the 1950s he brought French cuisine into the American popular mainstream. Who could imagine that the words of James Beard would serve as a philosophical keystone to the current work of the next artist featured at Charlene’s Gallery Ten?

“Food is our common ground, a universal experience.” – James Beard

In 2006, Sarah Aagesen received her Bachelor of Fine Arts degree from Millikin University. Her four-year emphasis then was focused on figure drawing.

“In those four years, I worked in charcoal, and with an array of erasers, practiced drawing the nude figure, while working on my line and detail,” she explains.

But in 2006 she made a radical shift, changing medium during her last semester of school in the development of a final project for a preeminent figure drawing course. From that point on, she has been working with bright, vibrant colors to create abstract compositions – a leap from the strict and academic realism that she was used to. She also took up photography as a “casual release.”

In 2008, as a graduate and an islander who works many roles to survive, Sarah took on a job at the Washington Island Hotel, Restaurant & Culinary School.

“Food became one of my central inspirations when it came to art,” Sarah reveals. “During this period of my life, I learned about sustainability and the importance of local foods and wanted to express that importance through my work.”

And she did it with the camera. The bakery and the kitchen put out such beautiful food that she began to stop the chefs and say, “Wait, let me take a picture of that.” What evolved from her expanded awareness of the quality, beauty and sourcing of food is this new, deeper exploration. The latest work she will display at Gallery Ten is comprised of large photographs that zero in on close up details, colors, texture, line and compositions of patterns in food.

“This work represents my appreciation for food and all that it has to offer. Not just for the taste, but for the brilliant colors, the fresh, organic shapes and unique textures. I have taken something pure and truly beautiful and changed the way you look at it by simply capturing silhouettes or focusing on an unusual part, making it fun and playful,” says Aagesen.

“There is a strong resemblance between my past work and present; the color palette, organic line, and compositions. I create a sense of depth and dimension and have been able to do so, again, with food.  It’s a subject everyone can relate to.  Each piece is beautifully grown and has its own identity. I take these pieces and showcase their natural beauty.”

Sarah says there is another quote, one by Ralph Waldo Emerson that captures the essence of her entire show. “If we live truly, we shall see truly.”

You can meet Sarah Aagesen at Charlene’s Gallery Ten in Gills Rock at an artists’ reception celebrating the opening of her show on Saturday, July 3 starting at 3 pm. You are invited to enjoy a collection of delicious snacks and complementary wine while you meet the artist and take in the exhibit. At 4 pm Sarah will present a gallery talk providing insights and reflections on her work.

Charlene’s Gallery Ten represents over 100 artists in a gallery collection that is contemporary, original and eclectic. GT Coffee, complements the gallery, serving espresso drinks and Door County cherry pie by-the-slice open daily from 8 AM to 5 PM with free Wi-FI. The gallery is open daily from 10 AM to 5 PM (closed Tuesdays) at 12625 Hwy. 42 in Gills Rock, Wisconsin. Telephone 920.854.9907 for further information of visit on-line at www.GalleryTen.com.

From left to right are Peninsula Players veteran actors Tom Mula, Greg Vinkler and Tim Monsion as three friends who goad one another onto new adventures in Heroes, on stage through July 4

In conjunction with its celebratory 75^th season the Players will offer public tours of its stage house and all-weather audience pavilion.  Free backstage tours will begin at 2 p.m. Sundays, June 20, June 27, July 11, Aug. 1, Aug. 8, Aug. 22, Sept. 12, Sept. 19, Sept. 26., Oct. 3 and Oct. 10.

“Patrons have the rare opportunity to go backstage and glimpse into the life of an actor by visiting the dressing rooms and sets of the Players 2010 shows,” says Audra Baakari Boyle, Players Business Manager.  “In addition to learning the history of Peninsula Players, guests may view and walk the set.  Being on stage is a very different experience than seeing a show from a seat in the audience.  When one goes backstage and onto the terrace ‘Heroes’or into the home of the Pazinski family in ‘Over the Tavern’ patrons will get the feeling of what it is to be in that time and place. Our scenic designer and props master go into intricate detail to dress the sets. For example, the selection of photos or other props that fit the time period of a specific show will become apparent and enhance the guests’ overall experience.”

The Players 2010 season includes Tom Stoppard’s award-winning comedy “Heroes” now playing through July 4; a comedy “Over the Tavern,” (July 7 – July 25); Stephen Sondheim’s Tony Award winning “A Little Night Music” (July 28 – August 15); Alan Ayckbourn’s sci-fi comedy “Comic Potential” (August 18 – Sept. 5); and the stylish thriller “Panic” (Sept. 8 – Oct. 17). Advance tickets and season tickets are on sale both through the Players’ box office 920.868.3287 and its Website, www.peninsulaplayers.com.

“Patrons are curious about what goes on behind-the-scenes including the work our company does on each of our shows,” says Baakari Boyle.  “As part of our mission, we want to educate the public on the working life of a theater and in saying that, we want to give the public an opportunity to see for themselves our work environment; hence, the backstage tours.   We also want to give patrons an opportunity to ask questions surrounding the 75-year history of Peninsula Players.”

Those interested in a backstage tour should phone the box office to reserve a spot on a tour as space is limited and available on a first-come first-serve basis.

“We can accommodate 20 to 25 guests per group,” Baakari Boyle says,.

Peninsula Players was founded by a brother and sister team, Caroline and Richard Fisher, who dreamed of an artistic utopia in the north woods where actors, designers and technicians could focus on their craft while being surrounded by nature in a contemplative setting. The Players moved to the theater’s present location along the shore of Green Bay in 1937.

The Fishers’ dream lives on as professional actors, directors and designers work side-by-side with college interns while living on the Players 16-acre campus, bringing audiences a variety of works including dramas, mysteries, comedies and musicals.  In autumn, 2005, the troupe closed its season early to begin construction on a new stage house and audience pavilion. 2006 was the first season in the new theater with new permanent cushioned theater seats, graduated floor, grass roof and radiant floor heating.

To purchase season tickets, to reserve a spot on the backstage tour, or for more information phone the Players’ box office at 920.868.3287.

The Peninsula Players 75^th Anniversary season is sponsored through the great generosity and support of Baylake Bank who has been the Players financial partner for more than 50 years.  This season is also supported in part by a grant from the Wisconsin Arts Board, with funds from the State of Wisconsin and the National Endowment for the Arts.

Daffy by Judith Gahn Murphy

Work by these three artists will by on display in the barn and granary galleries on this historic farmstead from June 26 through August 28.

Jessie Schroeder Voss is a potter who will be showcasing her functional pottery with the bright, whimsical colors she finds inspiring in spring and early summer.  Her trays, vases and dinnerware sets are decorated with floral elements in bright poppies and spring flowers.  Her work has been featured on the Rachael Ray Show and has gained several awards in juried art shows across the Midwest.

Lynita Santora Wolf uses wire, chain, semi precious stones and found objects to create a piece of jewelry that is strong, interesting and has proper movement.  Each piece is truly unique and is inspired by objects she finds at antique stores and flea markets.  Lynita’s jewelry can be found across the Midwest in galleries and juried art shows.  She will have a trunk show at Off the Wheel Pottery from 10am-7pm on June 26^th.

Judith Gahn Murphy is a watercolor painter who paints forms and objects of the earth using layers of paint to create bold values and unique combinations.  She looks for images to paint through her camera lens to find compositions that interest her, like a small section of a tree root or the petal of a daffodil.  Judith is an art instructor at the MATC and her work can be found in several juried art shows throughout the Midwest.

Off the Wheel Pottery is located in Egg Harbor at 4234 County Road E (1.3 miles east of the village). For more information, visit www.offthewheelpottery.com or call 920.868.9608.

Sunset at the Hardy Gallery in Ephraim

Door County artists Dan Anderson, Brigitte Kozma, Donna Brown, John Dietrich, and Len Villano made up the panel of jurors for this year’s exhibit. The jurors narrowed down the number of works down to 87 from the 165 that had been submitted for the show.

Of the pieces that were selected to be in the exhibit, four works won Juror’s Awards and one piece earned a People’s Choice Award, which was voted on by visitors to the Wall-to-Wall Salon Exhibition prior to the juried show and is not awarded based on artistic merit. The award winners include Daryl Asbury, who won a Juror’s Award for his oil painting entitled Ephraim Rain on Cedars, Rob Williams, for his piece Peninsula Park, Quiet Evening (oil), Zheng Ping Wu, for Yu Zhe (photography), and Dannica Walker, who won two Juror’s Awards for her watercolor Peace with Strings Attached. The 2010 People’s Choice Award was awarded to Anthony Beadell for Echarpe Colore, his enamel and oil painting. The 2010 Juror’s Awards and the People’s Choice Award were sponsored by The Artist’s Guild, an art supply and framing center located at 117 N. Third Avenue in Sturgeon Bay.

“The jurors had some extremely difficult decisions to make as far as narrowing down the body of work for this exhibit,” says Elizabeth Meissner-Gigstead, Executive Director for the Hardy. “Overall, the artwork submitted this year was exceptional.  The resulting exhibit is one of the most diverse I’ve seen in recent years, which is always exciting.”

The 48th Annual Juried Exhibition is on display at the Hardy Gallery through Sunday, July 18. The Gallery is located on Ephraim’s historic Anderson Dock and is open daily from 10 am – 5 pm, with extended hours to 8 pm on Monday evenings in conjunction with the Ephraim Business Council’s “Evenings in Ephraim” concert series. The Hardy will be open on Monday evenings beginning Monday, June 21.

The historic Hardy Gallery is a non-profit organization enriching the vibrancy of the Door County community by promoting and fostering local art. For more information about the Hardy or its annual Juried Exhibition, please visit www.thehardy.org or call 920.854.2210.