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Man on Flying Carpet, original children's book illustration by Raul Colon

Chemers Gallery's blog has gotten a virtual face-lift! As of Monday, April 6, it has moved from its old site on Blogspot to...OUR WEBSITE for a more streamlined, cohesive web presence. We're loving our new look and hope you will, too!

Our old blog posts will remain live on Blogspot, but our links may not work due to our new format. Feel free to browse all the way back to 2007 to revisit your favorite articles or learn more about the goings-on around here over the years. Just don't forget to change your bookmarks to our new blog site, now at www.chemersgallery.com/blog!

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Congratulations to the participating artists of Viewpoints: Orange County All Media 2015! There were many stand-out entries, and our juror, plein-air painter Greg LaRock. worked hard to make selections for a diverse and considered exhibit. 




 

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Calling all artists! Get those creative juices flowing because we're looking for entries to the 8th annual juried exhibition of outdoor scenes of Orange County, presented by Chemers Gallery and Tustin Area Council for Fine Art (TACFA)! We need your unique interpretations of Newport Beach, Crystal Cove, downtown Orange, Irvine Park and more! The show is open to all media including oil, acrylic, watercolor, pastel, photography, glass, mixed media, encaustic, printmaking, sewing, beading, etc. The more innovative, the better. The best part is...there are cash prizes!

Our show has been evolving year by year and we're sure this will be our best exhibit yet. One major change this year is the elimination of the "amateur" and "professional" categories. All are welcome to enter regardless of experience level - entries will all be juried to the same level. Another major change is the addition of award categories. All entries will fit into either "Oil and Acrylic" or "All Other Media,"giving you more chances to win an award!

Just like last year, all entries will be pre-juried online at OnlineJuriedShows.com - you can find the prospectus and links to enter HERE.

We are honored to announce that Greg LaRock, award-winning plein air oil painter, will be this year's juror.

Award-winning art from Dorothy Cavanagh, Lore Hold, Sherry Marger and Linda Rogers from the 2014 show

Important Dates & Deadlines:
March 4, 2015: Deadline to submit your entry form and .jpg photo to OnlineJuriedShows.com. Click HERE for prospectus and links to enter. (For help using OnlineJuriedShows.com click here.)
March 11, 2015: Notification of acceptance by email
April 6 - 10: Hand-delivery of accepted work to Chemers Gallery between 10am - 5pm. Shipped entries are not accepted.
April 18, 2015: Exhibition opens to public, Artists' Reception 5:30 - 8:00pm
May 2, 2015: Exhibit closes
May 4, 2015: Pick up work at Chemers Gallery between 10am - 5pm

Cash Awards:
$600 Grand Prize

Oil & Acrylic
$450 First Place
$300 Second Place
$200 Third Place

All Other Media (including watercolor, pastel, glass, photography, mixed media, etc)
$450 First Place
$300 Second Place
$200 Third Place

Artwork Specifications:
Entry must be an outdoor scene from anywhere in Orange County, California. If not easily recognizable as an Orange County scene, a source photo may be required. Work must be created during the year since the last exhibition (May 2014).

All 2-D artworks such as, but not limited to, painting, drawing, mixed media, printmaking and photography will be considered. The maximum allowed size is 24" x 36" not including the frame. Photographs must be printed on photo or fine art paper - they may not be printed on canvas or mounted to panels. Works must be framed to Chemers Gallery specifications (see framing requirements below), properly wired and ready to hang. The juror reserves the right to disqualify any work not suitably presented or that varies from the submitted image. All works must be for sale.

Sales commission: 50% artist 50% Chemers Gallery.

Framing Requirements:
Chemers Gallery will be happy to assist in framing your work. If you choose to frame it yourself, please bring your frame for approval prior to delivery. Oils, acrylics & mixed media can be unframed if gallery wrapped edges are painted, but other two-dimensional work must be framed. No photography on canvas. All 2D work must be properly & securely wired and ready to hang. Simple frames are preferred and must be either black or dark wood. Mats: neutral white, acid free (like Bainbridge 8655), acid-free colored filets ok, and either double 4-ply or single 6 or 8-ply mats. No non-glare glass. Space and weight limits apply to non two-dimensional work, see Karen Raab at Chemers Gallery.

Examples of black (left) and dark wood (right) frames

Examples of gallery wrapped canvases

Entry Procedure:
Non-refundable entry fee is $35 for one or two entries, payable when you submit to OnlineJuriedShows.com.

PLEASE NOTE: When filling out your information while entering the show at OnlineJuriedShows.com, please be sure all information is correct - spelling, title, pricing of your artwork. All information is input by the Artist and is used by Chemers Gallery for reference, printed materials and online postings.

Diptychs and triptychs are considered one work. Works are juried by digital image only.

For help using OnlineJuriedShows.com please refer to the Help page and the How OJS Works page. Likewise you can call 949-287-8645 or email [email protected].

Entry Image Guidlines:
Works will be juried by digital image only. Images must be sized to 1920 pixels on the longest side and at a resolution of 72 dpi. No mat, frame, or extraneous material should appear other than your artwork.

Save the painting with a new name, as follows: Your last name, first initial, ENTRY REFERENCE (A, B, C, D, or E), and abbreviated painting name. For example: Jane Doe's Entry A is titled New York Sunrise, the name given to the digital image would be: doej_a_nysun.jpg.

Save the image as a high quality jpg.

Images are used for jurying and web and printed materials.

Liability: 
All work will be handled with great care. Neither Chemers Gallery nor TACFA or its representatives will accept responsibility for loss or damage of work. Artists are responsible for safety of work during transit to and from the gallery. Submission by an artist will indicate agreement by the artist to these conditions.

Since 1978, Chemers Gallery has been providing fine art and quality custom framing in Orange County. the gallery hosts several shows each year and continually exhibits the work of exceptions artists, both local and international. Chemers Gallery is located in the Enderle Center, 17300 17th Street, Tustin, 714-731-5432. The gallery is free and open to the public Monday - Friday, 10:00am - 6:00pm, Saturday 10:00am - 5:00pm.

Founded in 1992, the Tustin Area Council for Fine Arts (TACFA) funds and administers programs which expand the arts in the greater Tustin, California area, and enrich the entire community. The Council raises funds through individual and corporate contributions and fundraising events. These funds subsidize elementary students' participation in The Art Masters program, support students' creativity and interest in the arts, and allow TACFA to produce an annual affordable and live production of a classic Broadway musical at a local outdoor venue.

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You don't need to have tons of wallspace to fill your home with eye-catching artwork! From shelves and side tables to windows and bathroom vanities (yes, even your bathroom can be an art mecca!), we love to bring art into every layer and facet of your abode.

If it's translucent vessels and trays in bold colors your looking for, we've got you covered! In the mood to fill your windows with luminous glass? No problem! Chemers Gallery will send Nick Capaci and Leona Hawks to the rescue...

Nick Capaci
Keeping her son on the straight and narrow was motivation for Nick Capaci's mom to become a Cub Scout Den Mother. A self-proclaimed "hooligan of the neighborhood," Nick's first encounter with art was during one of his mom's Cub Scout meetings where he and the other boys had a lesson in potato printing. The wonder of carving into an object to create artwork was addicting and from that point on, Nick was a determined artist. Thank you, Mama Capaci!

Nick's dual focuses of monotype printmaking and glass working go hand-in-hand. Both require an intricate process of layering and building forms to create the final image, whether two- or three-dimensional. Nick's glass trays and vessels are intriguing mix of rigid geometry and organic fluidity, much like the make up of glass itself. Utilizing techniques of fusing, slumping, fire polish and cold working, Nick creates stunning works of art in beautiful jewel-like colors.


 
Contrast the airiness of glass with the solid and earthy form of wood to create a new layer in your home. We welcome local wood turner, Michael Evans, to Chemers Gallery!

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Finding the special in the ordinary comes naturally to photographer, Kim Kauffman. She has found her own unique way to translate her dual passions of photography and gardening into stunning imagery that simply begs to be noticed. We are thrilled to introduce Kim's striking artistic vision to Tustin!

A Peaceful Place, photography by Kim Kauffman

Kim continues the tradition of botanical discovery that blossomed in the 1600 and 1700's with artistic documentation of horticultural treasures found by European travelers. Her photographic series, Florilegium, pays homage to those explorers and travelers with its name, meaning "a gathering of flowers." These images evolved along with her growth as a curious artist and an avid gardener. Kim is drawn to her garden for the lessons nature affords if one simply slows down and looks. Flowers, leaves, seed pods and other objects collected from the environment provide her with the building blocks of her cameraless and filmless photographs.

Blue Clematis, photography by Kim Kauffman

How can a photograph be both cameraless and filmless, you might wonder? Kim has developed a special technique that utilizes both a flatbed scanner and digital process that she's been working with since the late 1990's. You might be surprised to consider that cameraless photographic techniques have been around since the birth of photography! Kim has taken inspiration from techniques of the 1830's and 40's developed by William Henry Fox Talbot and Anna Atkins. Anna is considered by some to be the world's first female photographer.

Equipoise, photography by Kim Kauffman

Images from the Florilegium series are composed of multiple layers that present a specimen straight from Kim's imagination. New environments emerge from these layers over time, much like a garden that is continually renewing itself. Each building block of the final image is carefully considered for its texture, color and pattern, and assembled into a photo collage that invites us to appraise with the eyes of a gardener and wonder with the eyes of an explorer.

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August comes around but once a year and we can't wait because August is Bonnie Holmes Skincare Month!! Pamper yourself with Bonnie's spa-quality cremes, cleansers, masques and scrubs. Plus, from now until August 31st, enjoy *20% off her entire line! Now that is luxurious! Can't choose which items to use? We'll give you samples to take home and try out!

Bonnie's gentle skin care line is available exclusively at Chemers Gallery. We even use her products! Karen loves the Original Skin Creme for daytime use, the Super-Rich Creme at night and Perfect Balm all day long.  Jennifer favors a once-weekly exfoliation with Roll-Away Creme followed by a spritz of Skin Refreshment. Shirley prefers Mineral Skin Polish for a quick, deep cleanse and uses the Clay Refining Masque when she wants to slow down and indulge.

Come in and choose your favorites today!

Midmorning: Island in the River

Bonnie doesn't just refresh your body, she also refreshes your spirit with her graceful plein air landscape paintings! Taking inspiration from her travels and the landscape around her home in San Juan Capistrano, Bonnie's oils are softly impressionistic in style.

Join Bonnie and 11 other artists as they demonstrate their artistic talents for you on Friday, August 15th from 5-8pm. Stroll Enderle Center and listen to live classic rock music performed by the Wight Litening Band!

*17% discount if paying by credit card

Lathering Facial Cleanser.....$36
A pH balanced water-soluble cleanser that gently lifts away makeup and impurities from the skin.

Creme Cleanser.....$38
The combination of water, glycerin, wheat germ oil, apple pectin and oils from California oranges makes this the ideal cleanser for drier, more mature skin types.

Skin Refreshment.....$39
Alcohol-free and packed with nutrients in a purified water base, Skin Refreshment restores depleted vitamins and minerals to the skin.

Sheer Skin Moisturizer.....$55
This is the ideal creme for all skin types, but will especially be enjoyed by those with more natural oils in their complexion.

Super-Rich Skin Creme.....$65
Packed with anti-oxidant nutrients to promote moisture and healing, this is creme is suited to drier, more sensitive and mature skin types.

Perfect Balm (previously Eyelid Balm).....$75
The delicate skin surrounding the eyes gets ultimate support and protection from this blend of vitamin e, grape seed extract, aloe vera and evening primrose oil. Previously known as Eyelid Balm, this product has gone from .25oz to 1oz - wow!

Original Skin Creme.....$55
Ideal for skin that's sun damaged or over 30, Original Skin Creme contains an alpha hydroxy acid that increases skin's metabolism leads to younger-looking complexion.

Clay Refining Masque.....$35
Denser than traditional clay masques, the Clay Refining Masque has been specially formulated to dry slower to allow the skin to absorb as many nutrients from the clay as possible.

Mineral Skin Polish.....$45
An ultra-fine pumice exfolient meant for everyday use, Mineral Skin Polish helps to prevent the build up of dead skin cells and leaves your face smelling rosy.

Roll-Away Creme.....$68
A light exfolient that adheres to the dead skin cell buildup on the skin's surface and leaves skin feeling soft and fresh.

Therapeutic Sinus Toner.....$40

Serious Sunblock.....$25
Contains SPF 25 and is perfect for sensitive skin.

Satin Body & Bath Oil.....$49
Almond-scented body oil enhances moisture retention when used regularly while skin is still damp and doesn't leave skin feeling oily.

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Tiger Lily Necklace by Ayala Bar

The new season of Ayala Bar jewelry has finally arrived, and believe us, it does not disappoint! Heading into Fall/Winter (hard to believe when it's still so dang hot!) the new collection dazzles with earthy colors, lush jewel-tones and a smattering of all-new shapes and sizes. As if all that weren't enough, the talented Ms. Bar has created a new style collection made from mostly silver pieces with tiny accents in muted greens, golds and pinks. Can you say LOVE??

Rosario Necklace by Ayala Bar

With a background in set and costume design, is it any wonder that Ayala's creations carry a theatrical flair? Instantly recognizable, we see over and over how people flip for her unique necklaces, earrings and bracelets. Some clients have collected her work for years - we even know a woman who brings her earring collection in for a little show-and-tell from time to time!

Amaranth Earrings by Ayala Bar

As always, these beauties are available for a limited time - only 6 months! You can see a sampling of what's available on our website, and there's more to love in person at #ChemersGallery. Hurry in before they're gone! #AyalaBar

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Crystal Cove Morning Stroll, pastel by Dori Dewberry

Chemers Gallery and Tustin Area Council for Fine Art (TACFA) have joined forces to bring you Viewpoints: Orange County All Media 2014,  the 7th annual juried show of professional and amateur artists from around southern California. With the help of 49 artists and one tough juror we present 70 unique viewpoints of Orange County from north to south!

The growth of this exhibition over 7 years has been astounding - we've gotten more entries this year than ever before! Jim Wodark, juror and artist extraordinaire, accepted the challenge to select this year's participating entries from almost 140. (You may remember Jim's 1st Place painting from last year's show...) Everything from architecture to seascapes, abstract to traditional was considered. Featured artworks include oils, watercolor, acrylic, pastel, photography, glass, mixed media and even beadwork! We think you'll agree, this is an exhibit not to be missed.

Come on in to discover a new favorite vista or two and meet the artists at the opening reception Saturday, April 26th from 5:00 - 8:00 pm.  If you can't make it that evening, you can still catch the show through May 10th. 

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At Chemers Gallery, it's all about the art, but we bet you didn't realize that we consider the framing to be a part of that! Custom framing is an art form in itself, and we strive to create just the right tone to fit not only your artwork but your life as well.

We love it when new mouldings are introduced - our imagination runs wild with the sheer scale of possibilities that open up. Over the years we've seen trends come and go and return once again. We've also seen some crazy ideas that just might work. (Remember when we brought badass to the OC??)

Shell
We're always searching for the latest and greatest trends to share with you, and we were shell-shocked with how gorgeous this one is! That's right, a veneer of mother-of-pearl shell creates soft translucence in three finishes and sizes. Available in shimmery white, champagne gold and, well, think of a glistening sea urchin for the third color! You'll just have to see what we're talking about in person. Perfectly elegant for bridal portraits and vanity mirrors and absolutely adorable for baby snaps, these frames are sure to make a splash.

Tortoise Shell
Speaking of shell, faux tortoise shell is back and better than ever! Frames like these haven't been available for about a decade, and we're thrilled to see their return. Elegant and stately, they make us think of manor homes, men's smoking rooms and natural history museums. Thoroughly suited for antique prints including botanical and Audubon style, the depth of color lends a richness to the presentation and elevates your art to the next level.
Rustic
What's old is new again - the "reclaimed" wood look has been reclaimed in today's shapes and colors! Rustic with a modern twist, these beautifully textured mouldings look like they've led former lives as wine barrels, barn siding, and factory flooring. Clean lines fit in with the current feel for simple shape and form. We can see these frames on folk art and seascapes, giving a real period look to the finished product.


Acrylic
We've seen color remaining strong despite a 10 year hiatus, and there are some vibrantly playful frames keeping pace! New on the scene are acrylic mouldings that can be easily personalized in more than 80 colors to exactly fit your style. Choose a glossy or frosted finish in single, double and now, even triple color - patterned frames are also available! Vivid hues provide a real pop of personality.  The possibilities are endless to turn your treasures into a work of art that's as unique as you are.

All natural glycerine soaps, made in America!

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