Pat Richards Dodds congratulates the award recipient Dustin Sherron

“I’m thrilled and speechless,” Sherron said. He smiled for photos with his award.

Sherron blossomed as an artist this year in Gerald Swigger’s printmaking class at Moorpark College.

“Printmaking is really growing on me,” he said. “I’ll invest (the award) in more supplies to make more prints.”

Committee members Gerd Koch, Tom McMillin and Bob Privitt from Studio Channel Islands Art Center selected Sherron for the award.

“There’s marvelous sense of whimsy and playfulness,” said Koch of Sherron’s prints. “We were so impressed with the work, the skill and the imagination.”

Moorpark College students Lydia Fenwick and Jenea Rubida were also finalists. Sherron, Fenwick and Rubida will be featured at Studio Channel Islands Art Center in an exhibit titled “Visions of Southern California – Students and Faculty from Moorpark College,” during the month of April. Many of the students have never exhibited their artwork before.

“It is a wonderful opportunity for them to show in a professional setting. Art is also about presenting yourself and being professional,” said art center director Karin Geiger.

Moorpark College art professor Gerry Vicich was featured in the show alongside his students.

“I remember the first time I showed, I was thrilled and terrified at the same time,” said Vicich. “For their work to be observed objectively by strangers is a real experience. Hopefully it’s a catalyst for them to pursue their art.”

The Award for Excellence in Art Studies was created in honor of Pat Richards Dodds, founding member of the art center, whose work is often on display at the gallery.

“Follow your dreams and honor your talent,” Dodds said to the finalists.

Students from beginning and advanced art classes were selected for the show. The variety of work on the walls of the gallery showcased the range of artistic talent at Moorpark College.

Finalist Rubida’s life size newspaper sculpture of a deer titled “Stag” dominated the center of the room.

Moorpark College art professor Cynthia Minet curated “Visions of Southern California.”

“It’s a nice opportunity to see students work out of the context of the college and into this lovely space,” she said.

“I’ve been coming every year. The quality of the art here is so superior. It’s so generous of the artists to give up these priceless works,” said Peg Hicks-Moore.

Tickets were sold in advance for $100 each. Guests received a ticket with their name on it as they arrived at the art gallery. The first 25 guests were in group A; the next 25 were in group B, and so on.

“They put their cards into a bowl and we draw out names,” said artist-in-residence Arlene Mead as she welcomed people to the event. “Guests could buy tickets online, by phone and in person,” she said.

When a group was called, they moved into an adjoining room filled with framed and unframed paintings and photographs, hand-made jewelry and sculptures. When a person’s name was called, he or she had a minute to choose a piece from the walls.

“I went and bought a second ticket,” said Robin Jester as she perused the paintings, “I know several of the artists. I go and hang out, I’m a patron. I appreciate what they do.”

Guests waiting to choose a piece of artwork sat together in groups sipping wine, snacking on tortellini salad and mini quiche, and enjoying live music.

“We’re going to do the drawing for group C in 10 minutes,” announced art center president Rich Brimer to the crowded gallery.

Maggie Kildee, sculptor and former art center president, donated two sculptures titled “A Mother’s Love” and “Mexican Madonna.”

“I was flattered to know they went in the first group,” said Kildee, “It’s nice to know people like what you’ve done.”

Artist-in-residence Carolyn Barone manned the gift shop area during the event. She donated a small still-life oil painting in a gold frame.

“I liked it and I thought someone else might because it fits anywhere. I’ve gotten good comments on it so I thought why not?” she said.

Each year the event raises about $10,000 for Studio Channel Islands Art Center’s programs and exhibits, according to director Karin Geiger.

“Some artists give two or even three pieces from their collected work,” Geiger said. She bought a ticket herself.

“I’ll wait until the very last drawing because I know even the last ticket will have a fantastic choice,” she said.

Hicks-Moore decorated her home and office with pieces from Studio Channel Islands Art Center. She left the fundraiser cradling a sculpture in each arm.

“They’re heartfelt pieces,” she said. “People that visit always say, ‘This is amazing. Where did you get it?’ I wish more people knew about this diamond in the rough.”

The current exhibit at Studio Channel Islands Art Center titled “Cross Pollination” will be on display through March 31.

For the third time, Studio Channel Islands will host “100 for $100″, our most popular fundraiser! Buy a ticket and choose from 100 pieces of original art, valued at a minimum of $100 and in many cases much higher!

Art Patrons may purchase a $100 ticket for the event which will guarantee that they will go home with a piece of art. Each $100 Art Patron ticket provides for a single admission to the event, refreshments, live music and, of course, the drawing of the art pieces. There will be four groups of drawings based on the time of RSVP.

Reservations will be sold beginning on Thursday, March 1, 11am. All ticket sales will be timestamped and earlier ticket sales will have earlier choice of artwork. Bookmark THIS LINK to return to this page and buy your ticket(s) online after 11am March 1. Reservations may be made by ONLINE, by phone (credit card) or in person at the gallery. Patrons may purchase multiple tickets for the drawings. Non-drawing Guest Tickets for spouses and friends are available for $25 each. Online button will be available at 11am on March 1, 2012.

All art work will be on display starting Thursday, March 1 to give patrons the opportunity to view and create a personal “wish list”. 100 % of the proceeds will benefit Studio Channel Islands’ art programs.

Ticket Sales beginning March 1

Gallery Location
2221 Ventura Blvd
Camarillo, CA 93010

Phone: 805-383-1368

Weblink: http://studiochannelislands.org/2012/02/17/100-for-100/

100 for $100 Event

March 18, 3PM, at the Gallery

These three new artists bring the total number of resident artists to 39! We have only two additional studio spaces available. If you want to join our group of amazingly talented artists and immerse yourself in creative energy, apply now to become an Artist-in-Residence!

Open Artists Studios every first Saturday of the month, 10 AM to 4 PM or by appointment.

Sale Days are February 10th from 1pm – 3 pm and February 11th from 10 am – 3pm

Workshops

Origami Gift Box and Card
February 10th 10am – 3pm
Instructor: Tomi Lto Levin
Cost: $24 Call NOW to reserve your place in class!

Paper Heart Weaving
February 11th 10am – 12pm
Instructor: Gerri McMillian
Cost: $10 Walk-ins Welcome

We are located at 2221 Ventura Boulevard Old Town Camarillo. Studio Channel Islands is a non-profit organization with art studios, a fine arts gallery and education center. Gallery Hours: Tuesday 11am – 3pm; Wednesday – Friday 11am – 5pm; Saturday 10am – 3pm. Resident artists open their studios to the public the first Saturday of each month from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Artists’ Reception and Awards:  Saturday, March 3rd, 4pm – 6pm

“CROSS-POLLINATION: New Use of Materials for New Ideas” is open to all mixed media. We welcome the utilization of multiple art-making systems and/or multiple media – i.e.: printmaking systems integrated with painting; 3-D sculpture integrated with 2-D graphics. The idea is that one system could influence/inform another creative system. We encourage artists to break out of their standard approach of using only one medium and incorporate additional media and systems.

Juror: Cynthia Minet, Professor of Studio Art at Moorpark College

 Cash prizes: 1^st, 2^nd and 3^rd Place:  $250; $100; $50

 Entry fee:  $30.00 for members, $40 for non-members, for the first three pieces. Additional images may be submitted for $10 each. There is no limit to the number of submitted images. Entries by Picture CD or email only!

Number of Entries

Member (1-3 Entries) $30.00 USD Member (4 Entries) $40.00 USD Member (5 Entries) $50.00 USD Member (6 Entries) $60.00 USD Non-Member (1-3 Entries) $40.00 USD Non-Member (4 Entries) $50.00 USD Non-Member (5 Entries) $60.00 USD Non-Member (6 Entries) $70.00 USD

Schedule at a glance:

February 12     Deadline for Entries
February 15     Notifications
February 28     Bring In Date
March 1              Docent Training
March 3              Opening Reception & Awards
March 31           End of show, Pick up date

 Specifications:

• 2D: Art work no greater than 36” wide, 8’ ceiling
• 3D: Not to exceed 100 lb, 36” square. Some pedestals are available.

• Work must not have been previously shown at SCIART Gallery
• All artwork must be delivered ready to be displayed
• Art must be for sale. Gallery commission is 40% of sales price.

Entry Procedures:

• Artwork must be submitted for jurying electronically by February 12, 2012. High resolution image/s (jpg, 300dpi @ 6 x 8 max,). Send a labeled Picture CD to SCIART Gallery or email your images as individual attachments to sciartcenter@verizon.net. Images to be named: LastName.Title.Medium.Size. (e.g.“Geiger.No.8.oil.24×24.jpg)
• Submit description of your work in the body of the email or in a letter: Artist Name, Title, Medium, Size, Price, Year of Completion
• Artwork to be accompanied with an artist’s statement and resume.
• Payment can be submitted by mailing a check to SCIART or using PayPal on our website (ABOVE)
• When accepted, you will be asked to gallery sit one six hour shift during the duration of the exhibition.

Notice of Acceptance:

• Artists will be notified by email or phone on February 15th.
• CDs will not be returned.

 Bring In Date:

• Accepted artwork must be delivered on Tuesday, February 28th, 10am to 3pm. Please call if you need to make other arrangements.
• Artist is responsible for all shipping costs.

Meet the Artists/ Docent Training: Artists are encouraged to attend the docent training on March 1, 4pm to 5pm. This is an opportunity to talk about your work to the gallery sitters and docents.

End of show art pick-up date:  March 31, 2012, 10am to 3pm.

SCIART has no responsibility for the damage or loss of the artworks during shipping, delivery, exhibit, removing, pick-up and returning. SCIART assigns a juror to choose the pieces of art which will be on display. Art work will be installed by SCIART’s installation team. The installation team determines the lay-out of the exhibition.  Artist will supply special instructions if necessary. Artist is responsible for removing the work after the show. SCIART has no storage, and delays for removing the works may result in additional cost for the artist.

Studio Channel Islands Gallery and Office Hours:

Tuesday 11am – 3pm

Wednesday – Friday 11am – 5pm

Saturday 10am – 3pm

Contact: Karin Geiger, Executive Director

Phone 805.383.1368

Gallery Location and mailing address: 2221 Ventura Boulevard, Camarillo, CA 93010

As a non-profit organization, Studio Channel Islands thats you for being a part of our family though your membership and financial support. We have come a long way in the past twelve years and look forward to many more years serving the community that make us the unique hub we have become in Ventura County.

Studio Channel Islands provides world class art exhibitions, receptions, special events and Meet-The-Artist presentations all at no fee to members. Our workshop and lecture programs are offered at extremely low participation fees for members. We are building our arts education alliance to provide students with art experiences that they can not get in traditional school settings.

To renew or join for the first time, simply go to our MEMBERSHIP page for more details. Thanks!

2222 Ventura Blvd
Old Town Camarillo, CA 93010

See ya here.

This holiday season, Studio Channel Islands Art Center in Old Town Camarillo opened its doors to shoppers who were fed up with fighting crowds and waiting in lines at department stores.  The Artists’ Holiday Marketplace on Dec. 2^nd and 3^rd offered guests a chance to browse hundreds of unique handmade gifts in a relaxing, old-world environment. 

Bright star lanterns and strings of lights decorated the space between the artists’ studios. Shoppers enjoyed authentic German bratwurst, apple strudel and Christmas cookies. Live music filled the studios as artists shared their creations with shoppers eager to find the perfect gift. Even Mrs. Claus stopped by to pass out candy canes to shoppers.

“Feel free to try on anything you like,” said artist Cheryl Huddleston to customers who eyed her table full of bracelets and necklaces. Huddleston brought her latest designs to the Artists’ Holiday Marketplace to sell. She takes jewelry-making classes at Studio Channel Islands Art Center. “They are fantastic classes,” she said.

At a nearby booth, artist Kathy Wilber showed off her mosaic-covered picture frames, lights and flower pots. 

“I put a bunch of things over there for 20 percent off to get people excited,” she said. Wilber has been working with mosaics for seven years.

Shopper Kathy Jonokuchi of Newbury Park bought a flower pot with red mosaic tiles from Wilber. 

“You’d never be able to find something like this [elsewhere],” Jonokuchi said as she picked up a golden bird’s nest with a mosaic-tiled egg. “I bought a calendar, a vase, and a print of a bird too. This is a great opportunity to support local artists,” she said.  

Artists-in-residence like Carolyn Barone invited shoppers into their studios for a look at their latest pieces. Barone, who specializes in figure drawing and painting, found Christmas ornaments and coffee mugs to cross off her own shopping list at the Artists’ Holiday Marketplace. 

Pastel artist Julie Compton, an Artist-in-Residence since the studios opened in Old Town Camarillo, sold cards, canvas bags and mouse pads with prints of her pastel landscapes on them. 

“You just want to be here, stroll, hang out and do your Christmas shopping away from the malls,” said Karin Geiger, executive director of the art center.

This year, the marketplace was open for two days, attracting more shoppers than last year. 

“All of us are thrilled that we’re growing [and having] more exciting exhibitions and events,” said Gerd Koch, who helped found Studio Channel Islands Art Center in 1998.  

Shopper Gail Weed of Camarillo perused a rack of earrings. She said she planned to look at each booth before deciding what to take home and put under her tree.

Story written by Chloe Vieira
Photos by James Sutterstrom