Mixed Media Artist Samantha Pliska Exhibits at the Greater Easthampton Chamber Gallery

Samantha Pliska will exhibit in the Greater Easthampton Chamber of Commerce Gallery from November 17 through January 10, 2012.

The mixed media artist will exhibit her abstract paintings and montage sculptures. Although a photographer at heart, Pliska has embarked on new work that uses acrylic, spray paint, wood, wax, ink, alcohol ink, and found objects. The artist explores the concept of beauty and how it can be perceived from different viewpoints. Her abstract paintings are more internalized while her found object sculptures reflect upon kitsch with the use of toys, religious emblems, and more. However she approaches her art, Pliska finds her inspirations from the same place. She says, “I always enter with an open mind, close my eyes, dig deep and let go. No matter what I am working on, I always end up with paint all over me, even if I'm not painting.”

Pliska studied criminal justice at Holyoke Community College and studied art under Dean Nimmer. This will be the artist’s first solo exhibition.

The exhibit is free and open to the public. The gallery located at 33 Union Street, Easthampton, MA, is open Monday – Friday, 8:30 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.

LIGHT UP THE ARTS HOLIDAY BASH

On December 8, 2011, from 6:30 - 8:30 p.m. ECA+ invites the community to celebrate the Light up the Arts Holiday Bash—an evening that will include a Small Works Show, the annual silent auction, ECA+ Best of the Valley Volunteer Arts Awards, and a DJ dance after party. The evening will be catered by the Apollo Grill. All community members, art lovers, and artists are invited to attend this festive night at the Historic Town Hall located at 43 Main Street, Easthampton, MA.

The Small Works Show is a salon style exhibition that will include numerous artists both local and beyond who will show their small scale works in the ECA+ Gallery. It will be a cash and carry format, encouraging buyers to purchase gifts for the holidays at affordable prices. All works will be smaller than 8 1/2” x 11”, and some much smaller being 1” square. Attendees are encouraged to bring cash.

The Silent Auction will include goods from local businesses and artists. The bidding for this annual auction will begin at 6:30 p.m. and end at 8:30 p.m. Some of the auction items include selections and gift certificates by Popcorn Noir, the Lift Hair Salon, East Heaven Paradise Spa, Pioneer Valley Ballet, Valley Art Supplies, and many more. Bidding will begin low but is expected to grow throughout the evening. A cash raffle will also be available for purchase throughout the evening.

Volunteer Awards

This year ECA+ is excited to give outstanding individuals awards for their service to the pioneer valley arts community and ECA+. Two awards will be announced: the 2011 Best ECA+ Volunteer Award and the 2011 Best Pioneer Valley Creative Volunteer Award. These chosen individuals have given their time and service to the cultivation of the arts in the community. Join us to find out if you are the winner!

AfterParty

Following the silent auction and small works show at 8:30 p.m., bidding and selling will come to an end and all can enjoy a DJ dance after party with DJ Youthelectronix at Flywheel.

This event is open to the public and admission is free. Enjoy the delectable catering by the Apollo Grill. For more information please see easthamptoncityarts.com.

ECA+ Hosts Cottage Street Artists coinciding with Cottage Street Studios 25th Anniversary

Twenty-one artists and crafters will exhibit in "Cottage Street Studio preview" in the Easthampton City Arts+ Gallery from November 12 through December 3, 2012. An artists’ reception will be held on Saturday, November 12, from 5:00-8:00 p.m. during Art Walk Easthampton. The reception will be sponsored in-part by High and Mighty Beer.

In this annual exhibit at the ECA+ Gallery, Cottage Street Studio Artists exemplify a growing number of renowned artists and crafters whose annual sales in December and June have become a traditional destination point for art viewers and shoppers in the pioneer valley and beyond. During this December sale on December 2-4, Cottage Street Studios celebrates its 25th anniversary. This annual sale will follow the exhibit at ECA+, giving a preview to the works of 18 participating artists and creative businesses.

The following artists will be exhibiting in the Cottage Street Studio Exhibition: Amanda Barrow, Linda Batchelor, Kate Childs, Karen Iglehart, Suzette Jones, Mary Ann LaDuke, Ruth Kjaer, Lynn Latimer of Latimer Glass, Sharon Ligorner, Levy Larocque, NESAW ( New England School of Architecture Woodworking), Ellen Koteen, Janine Norton, Patricia Parker, Laura Radwell, Riverside Industries Artists, Annie Steiner, Evelyn Snyder of Kaleidoscope Pottery, Briana Taylor, and Justin Thomas and Janna Ugone of Ugone and Thomas.

The exhibit is free and open to the public. The ECA+ gallery is located at 43 Main Street, Easthampton, MA.

Special Old Town Hall  November Art Walk sponsor High and Mighty Beer Co.

INVITATION FOR BIDS

The City of Easthampton and Easthampton City Arts+ seek bids for the creation of approximately 40 fiberglass bears of various sizes for Easthampton 2012 Bear Fest. Interested parties may download a bid package which includes date information and bid requirements.

CALL TO ARTISTS FOR 2012

Easthampton City Arts+ Gallery is seeking artists/artisans to apply for exhibition for the 2012 exhibition season. For more information download a 2012 Prospectus.

The Easthampton City Arts+ Gallery is located in the Historic Town Hall at 43 Main Street in Easthampton, MA, home to other arts businesses and organizations. The ECA+ Gallery exhibits the works of ECA+ members, local artists, and regional artists. A wide-array of artists have exhibited their work in the ECA+ gallery representing a diverse range of medias and stylistic considerations. All are encouraged to apply.

DEADLINE: December 1, 2011

ELIGIBILITY: Open to all artists

ENTRY INFORMATION:
• Send 3 images or links to website images to info@easthamptoncityarts.com
• Include a description in 300 words or less about your proposed exhibition
• Include a C/V and/or bio
• Name three months you are able to exhibit from January – December 2012

If you are unable to send digital images, please mail three images, description, c/v, and month preferences to Easthampton City Arts+, c/o Burns Maxey, 43 Main Street, Easthampton, MA 01027. Please do not send slides. Images and descriptions will not be returned.

FILL THE WALLS! ECA+ PRESENTS a SALON EXHIBITION of SMALL WORKS

Call to Artists – Easthampton City Arts+ hosts its 3rd Annual Small Works Show. An exhibit that aims to benefit patrons and artists, the ECA+ Small Works exhibit is offering a cash and carry format for what is looking to be an amazing salon style show!

The exhibit will run from December 8, 2011 – January 10, 2012. Bought works will be given upon purchase to the buyer and artists will be paid directly. ECA+ requests a 25% commission to the gallery from the artist for all purchases. Artists may submit multiple pieces for the show and are encouraged to keep their prices below $100, however this is not an obligation.

To submit work for consideration, please email info@easthamptoncityarts.com with an image of your work, title, size, your name, and location. If the work has not yet been produced, please submit a description.

DEADLINE
November 25, 2011

ELIGIBILITY
Open to all artists

SIZE REQUIREMENTS
No larger than 8 .5" x 11"

MEDIUM/INSTALLATION REQUIREMENTS
There is no medium requirement, however all works must be ready to install/hang. Artist supplies pedestals for 3-dimensional work.

ABOUT THE GALLERY
The Easthampton City Arts+ Gallery is located in the Historic Town Hall at 43 Main Street in Easthampton, MA, home to other arts businesses and organizations. The ECA+ Gallery exhibits the works of ECA+ members, local artists, and regional artists. A wide-array of artists have exhibited their work in the ECA+ gallery representing a diverse range of mediums and stylistic considerations. All are encouraged to apply.

ACCEPTED WORKS
• Deliver work on December 6 from 12 - 6 p.m. at 43 Main Street Easthampton, MA 01027
• Pick up unsold work Wednesday, January 11, 2011, from 12 - 6 p.m.

Twelve Artists Show in Hidden/Private side of artists

Twelve selected artists/artisans will exhibit in “Hidden/Private side of artists” in the Easthampton City Arts+ gallery from October 8 through November 9, 2011. An artists’ reception will be held on Saturday, October 8, from 5:00-8:00 p.m. during Art Walk Easthampton.
 
In an exhibition curated by artist Marcia Reed, twelve local artists/artisans who are reputed for a specific type of work will be showing a more vulnerable side that rarely leaves their studios. Marcia Reed who has exhibited her landscapes extensively says, “This show came about because I’m always creating pieces that I rarely ever show privately, never mind publicly,” she explains.

Reed selected a variety of artists whose work she was familiar with and she was confident that they created other works outside of their traditional confines. Reed says, “My hopes were to fill the small gallery space with work by twelve local artists who are known for a specific medium or style. Perhaps they are known for their evocative intimate interiors with dramatic lighting, or creating exquisite refined marquetry furniture," says Reed.

Artists included in the exhibition are Susan Boss, Mark Brown, Frank Cressotti, Susan  Halls, Alix Hegeler, Natania Hume, Juli Kirk, Silas Kopf, Burns Maxey, Marcia Reed, Justin Thomas, and Susanna White.

The exhibit is free and open to the public. The ECA+ gallery is located at 43 Main Street, Easthampton, MA.