The 7th Annual International Small Works Show
Presented by ArtLife Society
November 15th 2008 through January 6th 2009
320 Original Works of Art by 115 Artists
Each year ArtLife Society takes pride in exhibiting a select showcase of work by Iowa artists and artists from across the country and around the world. Thirteen countries will be represented in this years show. The 2008 show features work by recognized and emerging artists and, according to organizers, includes art in a broader range of mediums than ever before.
Take for example local artist, Debbie Pogel. Her intricate framed mosaic tile work draws upon traditional Judaica imagery. Or consider Venezuela artist, Diego Silva, who works amazing wonders with a single piece of wire. On display will be his recent creation: a 9" motorcycle made from a single 40 foot long length of uncut wire. Turn the gallery corner and take in the always breathtaking watercolor Iowa landscapes of John Preston, a favorite of collectors.
If new and different mediums is the topic, Wendy Round, Des Moines artist, will be exhibiting her enrapturing found-objects shadowboxes for the first time.
All work is original. All work is small. Artists continue to be challenged to work with minimal size restrictions, resulting in innovative and exciting creations.
Participating artists from previous years speak praise about how the annual exhibit is managed and benefits from the Midwest market exposure. Tom Kelly, Mineral Point, Wisconsin has exhibited in five ArtLife Society Small Works Shows. Kelly comments, "Start to finish, for an artist, this is the most professionally presented exhibition that I have dealt with dealing with galleries and organizations." Kelly's whimsical folk art paintings had been featured on Land's End catalogs covers for several years. Meri Fox-Sautzer of Bar Harbour Maine has to laugh, she says, "when I tell friends that my artwork has exhibited for several years and sold in a place I have never been!"
Local Fairfield artists, this year accounting for 33 of the 105 artists, rave about the show. When interviewed recently, Fairfield artist, Jeri Felix reflected on her annual participation since the exhibit 2002 inception. 'The show gets better every year --both the quality of art and the exhibiting of the art. I think it is a very important show - not just for Iowa - but nationally too.'
This year's international work is from Canada, India, France, Italy, Mexico, Venezuela, Australia, Germany, UK, China, Turkey and Jamaica.
Small works officianados across the country are saying the same message. The popularity of art on the small scale is reaching increasing popularity. Call it a fad. Call it the economy. For buyers, there is no getting around it: it's affordable.
Hurlin defers the conversation about sales to the gallery. "My mission," Hurlin says, as ArtLife Society Director, "is to get people in the door and to see them walk out as a very different person—a visually enriched person. That's the thrill for me.
"We live in a world where light, color, shape, sound, even our own thoughts compete mercilessly for attention. Walking into an exhibit of small works enfolds someone. You can immerse yourself, at your own pace, in each small creative piece, one at a time. The serene one-on-one visual is a reprieve from the (seemingly maddening) world."
Small is big in Fairfield, Iowa, an artist community of 10,000 residents boasting 300 visual artists, and size must matter there. Iowa Contemporary Arts (ICON), also in Fairfield, is now playing off the theme. Hurlin takes it as a high compliment that Bill Teeple, ICON Director and leader in the Fairfield arts scene, seized the common denominator the two educational arts organizations could play on: size. Teeple: "Large artwork pulls you into it. There is no escape. This is a completely different experience than that of small pieces.' The ICON Large Works Show will exhibit simultaneously.
The Small Works Show is presented with support from the Fairfield Convention & Visitors Bureau. Emerald Gallery has hosted the exhibit for five of the previous six years. Emerald Gallery is located at 54½ N. Main Street. Gallery Hours: Tuesday - Saturday 11am -4:30pm Call for Sunday, Evening and Holiday Hours.
For more information email: artlifesociety@gmail.com or call (641) 472-8135.
Where is Fairfied, Iowa? (©2006 MapQuest, Inc. All rights reserved.)
Artwork Sales
For information regarding the sale of all artwork in the Small Works Show please contact Emerald Gallery. The annual exhibit showcases more than 275 small paintings, perfect additions to growing art collections or gifts for the holidays. This refreshingly unpretentious exhibit includes works by both the recognized as well as the emerging artist.
Press/Media
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2007 Small Works Show |
Des Moines Business Record |
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Participating Artists
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Upcoming 2008 Exhibit: soon...
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Previous Small Works Shows Participating Artists 2007
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About Emerald GalleryEmerald Gallery has gained the reputation as a fine, innovative exhibition venue and is the proud host of the Annual Small Works Show presented by ArtLife Society each year. Read more on the Emerald Gallery page.
To Inquiring ArtistsExposure in the Midwest The Annual International Small Works Show, hosted by Emerald Gallery, has proven to be successful on all levels and each year's exhibit sees stronger public appreciation, drawing a sophisticated audience. Fairfield Iowa, town of 10,000, is an arts community in the southeast quadrant of Iowa. Because of its unique international focus, Fairfield is home to more that 300 visual artists, and draws attention from the international artist community. It is a happening place with sophisticated taste.?Find out more about Fairfield Iowa. Find out more about Fairfield Iowa. This exhibit is the Midwest's largest annual exhibit of original work by a representation of international artists. That says something. Artwork Selection Exhibiting in the Small Works Show is by invitation. The range of work included each year represents both emerging and recognized artists and a price range accordingly. The exhibit includes a representation of original works in all mediums and styles. A seven person committee considers participation inquiries from approximately 600 artists. A final invitation list is created. This year 140 artists from around the country will present work. Each year, gallery visitors repeatedly say they love this unique, fresh, and unpretentious exhibit. Artwork specifications All work is original. All work must be framed. Artists are invited to inquire about specifications and other questions for the upcoming exhibit to artlifesociety@gmail.com Invitational Exhibit Preview The Invitational Exhibit Preview (previously called the Corporate Awards Program) was conceived of four years ago. The Preview takes place two evenings before the Opening Reception for the exhibit. The Preview is open to all individuals who commit to a purchase $250 or more in art at the Small Works Show. This gives the participants the opportunity to view the show, amongst a select group of art lovers, before the busy Opening and have the good fortune of being the first to make their selection (s). These privileged viewers get first viewing and first choices and they line up at the door counting the minutes to entry! The program has met with success from the start, further demonstrating the strong support of the arts in the Midwest. Go to Emerald Gallery for more information. The Invitational Exhibit Preview gives immediate validation to the many artists whose work will be purchased even before the Opening of the show. Artists knowing their work is valued is an essential element in ArtLife Society’s mission in presenting the annual showcase. ArtLife Society, also, appreciates the Preview night as it gives the committee a clear gage that, once again, the selection committee created a cohesive, engaging, varied presentation of international work. For more information. Go to Invitational Exhibit Preview at the Emerald Gallery website. |
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