Press release
October 12, 2006
Press Release for Immediate Attention
5th Annual Small Works Show presented by ArtLife Society's
November 10th through January 7th
Event Location: Emerald Gallery
51 North Court Street, Fairfield Square, Fairfield, Iowa
contact info: Stacey Hurlin, Director
ArtLife Society, ph.(641) 472-8135
email: artlifesociety@gmail.com
website: www.artlifesociety.org
Bringing the work of 112 artists together for the annual Small Works Show is no small task. The annual exhibit, in its 5th year, features of the work of both the recognized and the emerging artist.
In addition to more than 80 Iowa artists, this year's Small Works Show is showcasing the work of 21 artists from other US States, and 11 artists from other countries. Among international representation: artwork is being sent from Nigeria, France, Germany, Greece, South Africa, Jamaica, Russia, Norway, India and more. In total, the show will house a whopping 280 works of art.
The exhibit is presented by ArtLife Society under the careful guidance of Stacey Hurlin, director of the non-profit organization since its formation in 2002. Says Hurlin, of the variety of artwork, "One of the reasons the Small Works Show is a favorite is the unpretentious atmosphere of the exhibit." She is referring to the artwork of recognized artists hanging side-by-side with that of emerging artists.
Susan Noles Thicke, ArtLife Society exhibit assistant says of the Small Works Show, "It is an engaging experience. Many, many people come back for additional visits, sometimes even four and five times. The show is really a rare opportunity outside of a metropolitan area."
The artists requirements are simple: all work must be original, framed, outside frame size may not be larger than 14" x 16", and the work must be able to be hung. Artist participation is by invitation only. The small wonders are all available for sale thanks to the Emerald Gallery team who seem to make every step of the exhibit a smooth success.
Hurlin is emphatic about the work being original. "It is an opportunity to educate the public about the difference between original and 'everything else'. It also gives artists an opportunity to see that the regional viewer can increasingly appreciate original work, a point she feels is significant in a current art world atmosphere of much attention on editions, giclee, and prints.
"There is an energy in the original," says Hurlin. "'I want someone to look at a framed work and think that is the piece that had the artists hand on it'. I want that fine distinction to be appreciated." The organizers also say that the small size makes for easy shipments of work.
4000 viewers are anticipated during the two-month show, up from 3100 last year. This will include visitors from around Iowa as well as western Illinois. Art students of all ages visit the exhibit for the study opportunity this provides.
The Iowa Arts Council granted ArtLife Society a mini-grant for this year's exhibit budget. Fairfield's Mayor Malloy notes, "The scope of the Small Works Show and the significant support and public attention that this exhibit receives, in turn, seems to contribute to Fairfield's increasing credibility as an arts community."
Emerald Gallery, again the host of the annual exhibit, is on the downtown Fairfield Square and is handicap accessible.
Hurlin considers ArtLife Society's mission to be accomplished each time a piece of original artwork leaves Emerald Gallery destined to enrich a home or business setting. Hurlin seems adamant about her mission, "It always comes down to educating the public and increasing the quality of life."
The 5th Annual Small Works Show will be held at the Emerald Gallery, 51 North Court, Fairfield, Iowa.
Gallery hours: Tues-Sat 11-4. Sunday and evenings by appointment. Additional holiday hours to be announced.
Contact info: (641) 472-8135. artlifesociety@gmail.com