Judi Rotenberg Gallery - Artist Talk

I will be away this weekend, but I encourage everyone to shrug off this miserable weather we've been enduring and make it down to the Judi Rotenberg Gallery this Saturday the 27th.

At 3 pm, August Ventimiglia will be discussing her work on display.

I was able to make it to this opening and although I don't make it a point to get into the art on display as much as the venue, I really enjoyed this show.  I thought "Crossing Over" (seen here ) was excellent use of the large wall space. 

I regret not being able to attend this talk.  Feel free to duck in even if only for a look around.

http://www.judirotenberg.com/
130 Newbury St
Boston Ma 02116
617 437 1518
info@rotenberggallery.com

December Spirit on Newbury Street

Newbury Fine Arts

Throughout the month of December, NFA will be serving refreshments every Saturday.  Sadly, I have not been able to visit this gallery yet, so I am looking forward to this. 

They are currently showing a variety of works from gallery artists including Dr. Seuss!!  It is hard to think of any more reason you would possibly need to break up the holiday shopping tension by stopping in for a look-around.  Who knows, you might just end up finding that special gift that's been eluding you...

Newbury Fine Arts

29 Newbury Street
Boston, Massachusetts
http://www.newburyfinearts.com/


Gallery Hours:
Monday-Saturday
10-6 p.m.
Sundays by appointment

Off the Beaten Path - Julia Soyer at Toscanini's 11/02/09

Last Monday, I was invited to a showing at Toscanini's in Central Sq.

I didn't know how it was going to be set up being a very active coffe/ice cream shop

where lots of MIT students come to study.  The opening was from 8pm on, and when I arrived

at, pretty much 8 on the dot, there were already a handful of people there for the art function, including 'Famous' Gus, the owner.  The artist, Julia Soyer, had an entire wall set up to show her work.  There was an excellent spread of cheeses, fruits, and snacks.  Wine, coffee, and even maybe the best ice cream on earth was served as well. 

I thought it was a brilliant place to host an art showing.  Being a popular coffee shop allowed for a steady influx of random visitors.  The atmosphere was really friendly and the crowd continued to grow livelier as the night went on. 

I really hope that they coninue to have more local artists showing and selling their art here.  There aren't many other ways to enjoy a Monday night quite like this.

Rebecca Chamberlain at The Judi Rotenberg Gallery 10/15/09

Let me start off by saying that I really like everything about this gallery.  To borrow an old soccer adage, this is where I broke my duck, so to speak.   As the first Newbury St. gallery I ever visited, I instantly felt comfortable walking up the curved stairs to the entrance.  I have always enjoyed the openings and showings here and have only been made to feel welcome.

Last night was an excellent opening for art admirers of all levels.  I thought that Rebecca's exhibition was easy to take in and enjoy at my own pace.  I made my laps around the two rooms, eaves dropping at times, on some of the numerous conversations going on around me.  It was louder than other openings I had been to, despite the crowd being much smaller, but it was a good noise lacking the pretension you might expect at a show of this quality.  There was lively discussion and laughter giving off a friendly feeling to this show as soon as you walked in.  The crowd ranged in age, and style, but it all seemed to blend together nicely.

I was able to have a nice conversation with a gallery intern.  She was very happy working here, and it showed in her demeanor.  Despite the buzz going on all around and the many requests for wine, she made time to talk with me about this and that.  She was genuinely interested in me as a visitor and what I had to say about the works on display, regardless of my lack of artistic knowledge.

I highly recommend visiting this space whenever you get the chance - I often just pop in on my lunch break, poke around, and leave.  This may be one of the least intimidating spaces you will find in the area.

http://judirotenberg.com/

130 Newbury St., Boston, MA 02116

617+437+1518 

  

CO\SO

The other day I was able to make it to The Copley Society after work. 

I had been interested in visiting this gallery for a long time.  The  view from the sidewalk allows you to see most of what is going on in the main room and if you approach the entrance, you can get a peek of what is on display on the lower level.  This gallery always seems to have an event or showing going on when I walk by.  According to their website:
          The gallery hosts between 15 and 20 exhibitions each year, including solo exhibitions,    
     thematic group shows, juried competitions, and fundraising events.

The space itself was very simple - a long, rectanguar room on the second floor stretched back from the entrance.I was able to walk in and around without being greeted or disturbed, even after I had made my way to the assistant's desk at the back.  There was nothing about the room that detracted from the artwork.  On the other hand, there was not much in the way of unique character to the gallery which seemed intentionally left up to the featured artists and their exhibits.  I started with a neutral feel about the gallery at first.  This place was ideal for a quick poke-around after a rough day of work when I might not be so eager to interact with people.  When I did try to initiate a basic conversation about upcoming events, the website, and such, I found it hard to draw out much information.  I got the feeling that I was being a nuisance, asking novice questions about Co\So and quickly decided I could get what I needed from the website [ http://www.copleysociety.org/ ]

In back was a very small, secondary gallery.  Inside, I managed to have an excellent conversation with a former member about the attitude of galleries in general.  She was an former member of Co\So and knew to visit often.  We agreed that there was a general sense of mystery and intimidation surrounding the numerous galleries on Newbury St. and that the greater public might very well benefit from an easy sight from where to get information on openings, times, locations, etc.  Our all-to-brief exchange left me eager to spend more time on developing this blog.

I look forward to spending more time looking through the website and its extensive directory of artists.  This gallery will make for an excellet escape from the mental strain of the oncoming winter and holiday season.  I would definitely recommend researching Co\So for upcoming shows and events, or just pop in for a look-around.  This is not a gallery to pass up if you find yourself in the area.

 If you are curious about joing the society, the website is an excellent place to start:[ http://www.copleysociety.org/join/detail/artistMember.html ]


Hours:
Tues-Sat 11:00-6:00, Sunday 12:00-5:00
Closed Monday (open by appointment)

(617) 536-5049

Directions: To 158 Newbury Street, Boston, MA 02116

9/25/09 - Fabienne Delacroix - Axelle Fine Arts

I walk past Axelle almost everday being a  frequent customer at L'Aroma Cafe.  The large arched window always captures my attention with interesting pieces of work on display.  A few weeks ago I was particularly taken in by an advertisement for a showing to be attended by the featured artist, Fabienne Delacroix. 

The event was excellent.  The atmosphere was relaxed and the works were captivating in their simplicity.  The artist made time for as many patrons as possible.  Regrettably, I was unable to stay long enough to have a word with her, but I was able to speak with a few other guests.  It was a very easy environment to fit into and chat about the many paintings and which rooms they would best decorate. 

One of the most impressive things about this gallery is its welcoming atmosphere.  From the window, to the open door(weather permitting), to the friendly curators - it is effortless to walk in and enjoy the exhibits. 

If you are new to the gallery scene here in Boston, or just see something that catches your eye, I highly suggest popping in.  You will be warmly greeted.  I cannot wait for the next open event.

Axelle Fine Arts - 91 Newbury St. - 617.450.0700

http://www.axelle.com/