Posts Tagged ‘Carrie Geraci’
J.H. Muse Gallery in the Abstract
The Jackson Hole Muse Gallery’s spring show, “Taking What’s Abstract Out of Abstract Art,” features new works by five artists: Carrie Geraci, Gregory Gummersall, Bernd Haussmann, Whitney Nye and Valerie Stuart.   The show is up and remains on exhibit through until May 1.
The show’s title suggests the gallery believes that, to most locals, abstract art is a tiny bit out of bounds. Muse wants you to get friendly with abstractions.  You should. You should get friendly with any art that speaks to you, and any art can. For those of us living in a verdant mountain valley, under ridiculously blue skies, alongside sparkling rivers and the fluttering ellipses of lemon-yellow aspen leaves, the vibrant colors and compositions in this show are eagerly taken in.
Earlier this week arts writer Todd Wilkinson spoke on the topic of art’s great 
context. It was a treat to hear that recognition expressed so ardently; we deny this great truth, I fear, and we fight against one another. Sometimes it seems a great chasm divides what we think of as traditional representational painting and the contemporary.  But there is no chasm, only a path. What we create today has its roots in earlier creativity. As Todd reminded us, Rothko’s distilled tones are present in a flower’s petal, or a stone or a snowfield.
In this show, artists tumble color kaleidoscopically, imagine corals, bubbling water and swirling ink.  Shapes are panoramic, shapes are nature’s microcosms. Light permeates, pierces and refracts. Maybe you’ll catch a little glimpse of Klimt.
The J.H. Muse Gallery is located at 62 S. Glenwood Street, in Jackson. Telephone 307-733-0555. Email: info@jhmusegallery.com.
With support from the Rocky Mountain Bank and Coleman Andrews, the Center of Wonder has hired home-grown arts innovator Bland Hoke Jr. to fill the position of “Wonder Public Art Ambassador“.
“The role of the Ambassador will be to expand on the ARTSPOT program by coordinating installations around Jackson Hole. The existing regional call for ARTSPOT artists continues, and Bland will work with people of all ages in the community to create additional installations. The ARTSPOT will become a dynamic, roving installation,” said “Wonder” Director Carrie Geraci.
Notes Geraci, “The Rocky Mountain Bank has stepped up their commitment to public art in our valley. Along with the Community Foundation of Jackson Hole, the bank is a major founding ARTSPOT supporter. The goal is to supply more free art experiences in Jackson Hole.”
“I believe being a part of the community means taking part in the community,” says Coleman Andrews, CEO of Rocky Mountain Bank. “Jackson is the center of our banking business, but it is also my home. I am committed to helping my community to remain vibrant and thriving; and the ARTSPOT program is an integral piece of that vision.”
“The idea is to produce multiple experiences of discovery and wonder all over town. We are faced with an unprecedented amount of fear and cynicism right now. We need more wonder and openness,” said Geraci.
The Wonder Public Art Ambassador program is a true community collaboration between non-profits and local business. The Karns Family was the first business to request to host artwork at the Homestead Plaza (location of Hoback Sports, Staples and the Dollar Store). The Center of Wonder wants more businesses to get excited about public art and partner-up to produce installations.
As a teenager, Bland Hoke participated in Ben Roth’s “Yard Art” program. Bland has worked successfully with major corporations in repurposing materials. Bland recently completed a sculpture crafted from discarded lift cable, “Sheer Bliss.”
“Bland is full of wonder. His early success as an artist and his local connection to place make him the perfect person to undertake this great project,” said Geraci, “…and with the Rocky Mountain Bank on board, expanding the impact and scope of the ARTSPOT is a reality. By springtime, there should be art around every corner.”
For more details, contact Carrie Geraci at 307-734-0570.
Tammy Christel is an Advisory Board Member for “The Center of Wonder.”