Arts Night at the Pavilion…
Just thought I’d share this original piece from Dakota Requiem that will be available for purchase at Arts Night 2012 at The Washington Pavilion of Arts & Sciences in Sioux Falls. The show itself runs through late February into the beginning of May, and admission to their Visual Arts Center is free, I’ll share more in the coming weeks, until then, sit back and enjoy the show…
Hello Aberdeen…
I found my way to Aberdeen today, which amounts to a 6 hr day trip for the love of art and the thrill of the show.
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‘Dakota Requiem’ can now be found at the Wein Gallery at Presentation College for about the next 6 weeks, through mid-December.
Brookings, I hardly knew you….
I came across this image a few weeks back from one of my last showings, which was posted by my friends at the Brookings Arts Council, anyhow, it looks great!
I’ll be bringing these works from ‘Dakota Requiem’ to Aberdeen next month for one last time as a collective whole, after that, I’ll only be bringing bits and parts around, as the body will be broken into a few different galleries and collections over the winter. I’ve had a good run with these, and I’m glad to have been able to share them with all of you, and thanks to the South Dakota Arts Council and the National Endowment for the Arts for providing the funding to make them a reality.
‘Kaleidoscope’ finds a home…
I was honored to be part of the ‘Kaleidoscope’ show held this past winter at the 2011 Governor’s Awards in the Arts in Pierre. Check around the 43 minute mark for my fine appearance, and look for Chad Nelson just before and Altman Studeny a few minutes after as well.
Quick review of things gone…
I just came back from Brookings last night from yet another reception, anyhow, if you missed out, this showing of ‘Dakota Requiem’ will run through next Friday at the Brookings Arts Council.
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Francis takes to Third…
Press Release from the Brookings Arts Council
BAC Announces Winners of the 35th Annual Fine Arts Exhibit
Geneva Costa of Sioux Falls has taken first place in the Brookings Arts Council’s Annual Juried Fine Arts Exhibit with her painting “An Examination of Movement in Space.”
Brookings artist John Rychtarik won second with “Land Escape,” while Chris Francis of Madison garnered third place with his painting, “Dakota Requiem No. 2.”
Honorable Mentions went to Sandy Ellyson, Watertown; Cyndi Strande, Lake Preston; Ladan Bahmani, Brookings; and Chad Nelson, Sioux Falls. Thirty-eight pieces vied for top honors. “We’re seeing more pieces each year, while at the same time the quality improves,” Executive Director Susan Brugger commented.
Cash prizes will be awarded for first, second and third prize at the closing reception to be held, Friday, August 26 from 5:30 to 7:00 at the BAC, 524 4th Street in Brookings. Refreshments will be served and the winning artists will give a brief talk on their winning piece.
The exhibit is open to the public through Friday, August 26. There is no admission charge. The Brookings Arts Council is open Tuesdays through Saturdays, Noon to 5. For more information, contact 605-692-4177 or email at artscouncil@brookings.net.
Mark that date…
Looks like we have an official reception date in Brookings for my upcoming exhibition w/David Graham at the Community Cultural Center. The exhibition runs from August 30th – September 17th, and is open to the public, anyhow, check it out!
Thursday, September 15th
5:30-7pm
Brookings Community Cultural Center
Brookings, South Dakota.
Small is the new Big…
I’ve been on a good creative run as of late, which is a welcomed change of pace, as you can never be too sure of yourself when things don’t work as you’d like, or rather envisioned.
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These recent works measure from 4 and 6 inch square wrap-around canvas, to 5×7 inch canvas squares and flats, which those will be framed. And yes, they’re oil, and look to be dry enough in maybe 3 weeks for safe human consumption, or at least your favorite wall.
As I’ve said before, blame the painter, but never blame the idea….at least that seems to be a logical position to take.
Still Hanging Around…
Seems like I’ve made a second home in Sioux Falls, one with fine wine & gourmet cheese, so things are looking up. If you haven’t had the opportunity to catch a glimpse of my new work from ‘Dakota Requiem’, be sure to make your way to The Market on Phillips in the next few weeks to see for yourself what I can offer for all your abstract landscape needs. (yes, there is an actual need for abstract landscapes, I swear)
Also, be sure to become a fan of the new East of Egan Studio & Gallery Facebook page, which will showcase new works, and many exclusives in the coming weeks ahead.
Held-over at The Market…
If you missed your opportunity on First Friday, then don’t miss the next few weeks, as I’ll be hanging around The Market on Phillips for a little longer. (Translation: Go to the Market on Phillips)
Thanks again to everyone at The Market for a great night, and for a great turnout as well, it sure was fun! (If there was something you liked, let me know, chris@eastofegan.com)
It’s worth to mention…
Alright, I’ve been excited before about mentions, take for instance Graphic Content or the Post, but this makes my day, as I was cited in the Stendhal Syndrome!
‘You’ll see that artists of the Plains don’t have to create work that literally represents the prairie landscape. While yes, you will see magnificent views of the prairie with the work of artists like Gisele Robinson and emotive wildlife art by the renowned artist Josh Spiess, you will also see the energetic abstract painting of Chris Francis, the brightly-hued abstract floral works of mixed media artist Jennifer Stone and the contemplative and moving work of printmaker Chad Nelson—all three who are making their debut at the annual event’ – Kara Dirkson, Stendhal Syndrome.
11 words. I’ll take it.
Kaleidoscope: A Curator’s Statement.
From the curator’s desk, comes Kaleidoscope, a virtual gallery at The Governors Awards in the Arts, which debuts this Wednesday in Pierre. Actually, I have the honor of being a small part of this collective, so that’s very cool indeed.
We have all seen their names on exhibition announcements from galleries, art centers and other venues, but who are they? Who are these young artists rising to prominence on our local art scene?
This is a question that I had pondered myself, and now South Dakotans for the Arts was asking me to answer it.
I began the search to identify the next generation of artists in our state with one simple question: who are the young artists you most admire and respect? Artists, arts administrators, and gallery agents were polled. As names were suggested, each nominee was then asked the same question. The list mushroomed quickly.
What I discovered was A Series of Pleasant Surprises.
Though the selection process was difficult, the search itself was most enjoyable. It was a pleasure to examine and become acquainted with so many young, talented individuals. These are young people with tremendous enthusiasm, innovative ideas, optimistic passion – and they are well connected. I was made aware of the serious level of their engagement with each other, art, and the world in which we live. Still, through all of this, I sensed a measure of doubt – a healthy degree of skepticism. They are open to new ideas and ready to be challenged, for they recognize the speed with which contemporary reality changes.
To my delight, I came to realize that the future of the visual arts in South Dakota is in fine and capable hands.
Let us hope we can keep them.
George Prisbe
Post Script: It must be recognized that Kaleidoscope represents a cross section of our young arts community. This exhibit is not comprehensive. Many talented and inventive individuals were not included. Some did not respond or declined the invitation to participate, while others – undoubtedly – escaped my view.
To everyone who assisted in this project, with their time and thoughtful consideration, I express my gratitude and appreciation.
Bringing the ‘A’ Game…
This is not for the ‘B’ team.
There are no reserves. No excuses. No honorable mentions.
Go Big or Go Home.
Welcome to the big show that is Artists of the Plains. First, the venue, the Holiday Inn City Centre:
Next, the layout, where the artists make camp:
That’s some good company to hang around with for the weekend, and let’s hope they got the memo about the ‘A’ game too.
Virtual Gallery Preview…
I’ll be headed towards Pierre in a few weeks as part of a virtual gallery, Kaleidoscope, curated by noted South Dakota artist George Prisbe.
Now, I can hear the questions rising, as the thoughts of what a virtual gallery possibly could be seem to be echoing their way to this very keyboard. With the wonders of near instant echo-transmission aside, a virtual gallery is essentially digital files of an artist’s work presented through digital means, and in this instance, digital screens at the Governor’s Awards in Pierre. Think of it as a way to showcase work, however corrupted by the digital nature of its presentation, without having to bring the physical works halfway across the Dakota Territory.
Anyhow, here’s a glimpse, however basic in its approach, of how my work would appear in this particular virtual gallery.
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Here’s a few to warm things up…
It’s cold.
Not so much cold as wicked.
On that weather awareness note, I thought it would a good opportunity to share a few fresh works, ready and eager for Sioux Falls in a few short weeks.
Sunny Sioux Falls in the Fall…
Yup, Sioux Falls, you got me again.
Looks like I’ll be headed towards the Eastbank Gallery in September for a showing, which is among the hipster things at 8th and Railroad Center. Actually, I’ll be showing in Brookings at the very same time, so I’m thinking about bringing two different kinds of shows to each, we’ll see how it develops in the coming months.
2011 has really developed into a standout year, as so far as showing and sharing my new work with, well, all of you. There’s even rumblings of showing a piece at a certain purple building this spring too, but we’ll talk about that more in the coming weeks.
Until then good friends, get your boots readied, and your buckles tightened, cause I’m headed for Artists of the Plains in less than 4 weeks.
Yup, it passes as painting…
Sharing karma is like sharing fresh paintings, good thing I like to share, cause this painting thing is beginning to catch on.
Things change…
…and it’s not always my fault. (but it probably is)
Well, I tend to paint, and from time to time these artistic wanderings (yes painting is a wandering) go in different directions from the initial starting point. Actually, I tend to head in differing directions, not so much accounting to my painting habits as much as my character faults. Yes, artists act, more so behave, in difficult, often frustrating ways that leave many to question what normal is.
Here’s a look at the storied ‘artistic process’ of legend and myth, in a 3 part series:
Not so good, huh?
Not so great, huh?
Fingers crossed on this one.
Paintings seem to mature, and I’ve never been afraid of growing pains, hence why I tend to share early on. Suppose that’s more of this ‘artistic process’ thing, huh?
‘Fresh Picks’ from the crates…
Let’s take a peak into a few crates of fresh work, as I ready for Artists of the Plains in the coming weeks…
Now, that’s some Grade A, blue ribbon, farm fresh produce, ready for market, I could go on…but let’s save it until Sioux Falls.
Works from the ‘Depths of Egan’
I’ve been working, yes, I can refer to painting as working, on a few fresh pieces from Dakota Requiem. Anyhow, here’s a glimpse from the ‘Depths of Egan’ as the paint is drying, and the smells of oil subside to a less toxic perfume of noxious.
Actually, these pictures were just taken yesterday, and since that time, I’ve added another 3 fresh works to the collection. This may sound impressive, but the reality is that I’m working out the last few details, edges and trim, nothing much but time consumed. The day before, I finished another 5 works, which rounds my numbers to an even 20 works, ready and waiting for Sioux Falls in 6 weeks or so.
Yes, Sioux Falls, I’m coming for you…just after the damar varnish dries (and you thought I was finished…)
Cowboy-Up
‘Save a horse, ride a artist?’
I’ll be headed this February to the 31st Annual Artists of the Plains Art Show & Sale, presented by Augustana College and The Center for Western Studies, in Sioux Falls.
This annual juried and by invitation-only event is a showcase of the best of ‘Western Art’ and artists, and I was thrilled to receive an invite this year, and just about floored to be selected and represented. I’ll be joining 22 other honored artists, and if last year’s invites are any indicator, it’s a stellar group for sure, and I’m humbled at best.
A reception is scheduled for Friday evening, with several awards, and a weekend filled with educational classes taught by a few of the artists. The show itself is free and open to the public, and be sure to come out for the reception, as I have aspirations to steal the ‘people’s choice’ award. (we can but try)
