Feast for the Senses & art news

You can sense the excitement in the air as spring all too slowly approaches…but it’s on the way!  And as with all new seasons, comes new art events, especially in New Jersey!  While it’s still too cold for outdoor fests and shows, there are plenty of indoor art exhibits to attend and the following I’m involved with this month are all FREE so no excuse not to check them out!  I hope you’ll join me and many other local, talented artists at these exhibitions:

Reminisce (c)2013, watercolor and collage

FEAST FOR THE SENSES…Group Art Exhibit
Work by local artists (most living, some not) will be on display from March 7 through March 28, 2016, in the library’s community room. Participating artists include: Judy Brodsky, Joan Arbeiter, Lauren Curtis, Ria Glassman, Joyce Browning, Eric Escobar, Virginia Swanagan, Pat Shamy, Sydney Jean Reisen, Nadine Berkowsky, Jackie Baker, Jill Caporlingua. Deceased artists whose work will be displayed include: Jacob Landau, Stanford White, F. J. Adams, John LaFarge.

The Opening Reception for this Art Show (on Thursday, March 10, from 6:30 to 8:30 PM in the Carl T. Valenti Community Room) will provide light refreshments and an opportunity to meet and talk with some of the artists.  I’ll have a few paintings in this show.  Here’s Facebook invite link:  https://www.facebook.com/events/1694806214135180/

NOLA Cemetery Path (c)2010 Lauren Curtis

SACRED SPACES, HOLY PLACES
There’s still time to see this enlightening exhibit of sculpture & photography with 27 artists / 43 pieces of work / 13 pieces of sculpture / 30 photographs.   Aside from being an exhibit, related spiritual & cultural discussions & events typically take place during the run of the show so check the gallery’s website & Facebook page for info.  Nails in the Wall Gallery at St. Luke’s, 17 Oak Ave, Metuchen, New Jersey 08840.
I have 2 photographs in the exhibition which continues until
Sunday, May 15, 2016.

Melody Bar Art (c)2015 Lauren Curtis

And a quick question…Do you have a favorite place that you wish you could visit forever?  How about immortalize a beloved home, vacation spot, hang out or historic site in ART?  Commission a pen & ink with watercolor painting of a place you’d like to remember forever!  Contact me for details: forestwalker333@hotmail.com

For more of my work, please visit my newly updated website! http://laurencurtisart.weebly.com

Thanks for reading!

~Lauren

Sacred Spaces, Holy Places

A life-sized Islamic Prayer Niche…a sculpture conveying a Jewish woman’s experience with sacred space…a nearly 5’ ilphachrome color photograph of Bernini’s Canopy in St. Peter’s in Rome…evocative photographs of both outdoor and indoor spaces…an unusual combination?  But all highlights in the upcoming exhibit at Nails in the Wall, the Gallery at St. Luke’s, the Metuchen exhibition space sponsored by St. Luke’s Episcopal Church, 17 Oak Ave., Metuchen, NJ. Sacred Spaces, Holy Places: an exhibit of sculpture & photography will begin the gallery’s 2016 winter exhibition season with the Opening & Artists’ Reception Saturday, January 30, 2-5pm. The event is free and open to all.

One of our goals at the gallery is always to bring together diverse voices from varied religious traditions around a common theme. In this instance, what makes a space sacred? What does a sacred space look like?  Work representing 27 artists is primarily, but not only, from the tri-state area. The photography includes a wide range of haunting images, some almost abstract, others capturing very specific locations that carry a sense of the sacred for the artist. Notable among those is the over 4’ Ilphachrome color photograph of Bernini’s Canopy in St. Peter’s in Rome by Nancy Ori (Berkeley Heights). Perhaps one of the most thought-provoking pieces, “V’at Alit”, by Miriam Stern (Teaneck) includes a series of photographs and other materials highlighting her experience of sacred space as a Jewish woman. Several very local photographers have work included in the show: Mark Harris (Edison) with his elegant figures and the carefully viewed spaces of Robert Hopkins (Metuchen). Lauren Curtis will have two 35mm black & white photos taken in the famous Louis I Cemetery in New Orleans, LA.  This above ground burial site is one of the most famous cemeteries in the US & the site where supposedly the infamous VooDoo Queen Marie LaVeaus is entombed.

The 13 pieces of sculpture are very diverse in scale and materials and include free-standing pieces as well as sculptural wall works. Included in this group is a 6’ sculpture by Christina Saj (Cedar Grove), which has an exhibition history that includes, among others, St. John the Divine, NYC and the National Cathedral, Washington, D.C. Towering over that piece is Daniel Nelson’s (NYC) “Niche for Maryam.” A life-sized Islamic prayer niche known as an mihrab, the piece was designed as a site-specific installation for the Church of St. Paul the Apostle, NYC, using the proportions of the sculpture of the Virgin Mary by Bela Lyon Pratt in the Church’s Altar of the Annunciation. Nails in the Wall is honored to have it on loan from St. Paul the Apostle    for the duration of the exhibit.

Three mixed-media Mayan masks from Ronald LeMahieu (Princeton), along with a variety of the photographs, remind viewers that the sacred takes many forms beyond Church buildings.

Between 3 and 3:30pm, several artists’ talks will take place.

John Sharp, Gallery Board Member remarks, “I am amazed that despite our limiting the media accepted into this exhibit, we have been able to curate a show of such a diversity of scale and approach. It will truly be exciting to see which sacred space speaks to each visitor.”

Creating a sense of ‘sacred space’ through sound for the Reception itself, pianist, composer, and recording artist, John Bianculli will be performing. Refreshments will be provided by our ‘art partner’ The Metuchen Inn.

The exhibit will continue on view until May 15, 2016. For more information, visit http://www.nailsinthewall.com/ or contact Linda LaStella, Director@nailsinthewall.org.

The Facebook invite link is: https://www.facebook.com/events/159308764435405

NJ Community thru Art

“Jersey-ites” are a proud folk and we do have many types of communities throughout this small state; historic, artistic, cultural, musical, etc. so it’s no wonder that the Woodbridge Artistan Guild is having an exhibition focusing on this theme titled “COMMUNITY”.

Winter House 3, (c)Lauren Curtis 35mm B&W photo

Join the Woodbridge Artisan Guild on Sat., January 16th at 7pm for an opening reception of our newest exhibition!

All works in this show have been created by Woodbridge area artists and the theme of community includes local landmarks, New Jersey, family, civic pride, neighbors, and our towns.

In addition to local art this event will include live music and refreshments provided by Mulberry Street Restaurant. FREE event.  WAG Gallery, 101 Main St., Woodbridge (732)634-1474
I have three photographs in this show. 

Autumn Art and Halloween Happenings

Autumn is upon us (despite unusually warm temps in NJ) and with it comes the beautiful, bright colors of the leaves and crisp, sunny days perfect for outdoor festivals…and of course, the haunting, mysterious time that is Halloween!  All these factors have come together this month for some seasonal art events and festivities that I’m excited to be a part of….

“Something Wicked This Way Comes”,
Group Art Exhibition

Xray NiteRoot Creature (c)2014

Celebrate the Autumn & Halloween season artistically at GALLERY U!  I’ll have the above digital photo collage in this hauntingly exciting art show & masquerade party…costumes encouraged!  FREE event, refreshments served. This show has an opening reception party Fri.. 10/30/15, 6pm-8pm, Gallery U, 439 South Ave. Westfield, NJ  07090.  908-232-1895
Show runs thru 11/30/15.

MORE FALL ART FESTS & EVENTS in NEW JERSEY vending tent Join me for these FREE arts & music fests & other art events this October!  Fun for the whole family with local artists, crafters and other vendors, music, food and more! CANAL FEST, Sat., 10/17/15, 11am – 5pm.  Market Street, East Millstone, NJ by the D&R Canal. BrainFlower (c)Lauren Curtis Sept.2012 Digital Photo Collage NATURE SOOTHES, NATURE RESTORES, NATURE HEALS, group photography exhibit and D&R Land Trust educational events, D&R Greenway Landtrust Gallery (Johnson Education Center), Princeton, NJ.  Opening Wed. 10/28/15, 6:30-7:30pm. Show runs thru Nov. 6.  I’ll have 2 digital photo collages in this show.

And last but certainly not least…I have work in these shows as well…. New Brunswick NJ Photography Show at the historic Free Public Library, Livingston Ave., opening reception Fri. 11/13/1, 6pm. “Naked in New Hope”,  A Group Exhibition Group exhibition at Sidetracks Gallery, 10 Stockton Ave., New Hope, PA, 215.862.4586 Opening reception Saturday., Sept. 12, 2015, 6pm-9pm. Free event. I have 2 x-ray pieces in this show.  Show runs thru Oct. 31, 2015. “EarthAirFireWater: elements/sacraments‏” , group show at Nails in the Wall Gallery, St. Luke’s Church, Metuchen, NJ.  Opening reception Sat. Sept. 19,  2pm-5pm. Show runs through Dec. 2015. I have a mixed media piece in this show. As always, thanks so much for reading! ~Lauren

Worldly Art; German TV debut, Naked Exhibit & more!

It’s great not only to be able to connect with local artists but with creatives from other states and countries as well!  I’m sure many of you out there, with the ease of social media and the internet, have been viewing artistic works of all types from across the globe now more than ever, and for those of you that create your own, you’ve probably been enjoying sharing your work with the world as well!  Even though keeping up with online sites and content can be exhausting it is also so helpful when trying to launch or expand a career, especially a visual one like fine art and design. So I’m happy to share this news with you about some US & European projects I’ve been involved with….

“Naked In New Hope” poster

“Naked in New Hope”,
Group exhibition at Sidetracks Gallery, 10 Stockton Ave., New Hope, PA, 215.862.4586
Opening reception Saturday., Sept. 12, 2015, 6pm-9pm. Free event.
I have 2 x-ray pieces in this show.  Show runs thru Oct. 31, 2015.

Guardian Of The Elements, mixed media (c)Lauren Curtis

“EarthAirFireWater: elements/sacraments‏” , group show at Nails in the Wall Gallery, 17 Oak Ave., St. Luke’s Church, Metuchen, NJ.
Opening reception Sat. Sept. 19,  2pm-5pm. Show runs through Dec. 2015.
I have a mixed media piece in this show.

I’ll also be vending at many NJ free outdoor art fests…next one will be Sunday Sept. 20th, Highland Park, NJ Arts in the Park fest, Raritan Ave., 10am-4pm.

XRAYted Book 2 (c)July2015 OTHER COOL ART NEWS… Thanks to the magic of self-publishing I’ve just completed my 4th art book; this one features original x-ray based, mixed media pieces! Full color, glossy 20 pg. 8″x8″ hard cover signed books, just $35 + s/h. Here’s a preview (see pic above)…Paypal accepted.  To order email me at forestwalker333@hotmail.com And finally the big news!  I made my European TV debut last month and was featured on a German entertainment/cultural show!!  They filmed at my home and other local places…was a very unique experience.  Here’s where you can check it out..of course my crazy nails were the focus but my art is shows as well!  https://vimeo.com/133715051 Even if you don’t speak German you’ll get the gist…

Art Blooms in June; New Exhibits & News

Happy June All!  Here in NJ plants are full and green, flowers are blooming and summer is only a few weeks away!  With this comes fun, free outdoor art fests as well as new gallery exhibits so if you’re in the area, I hope you’ll add these events to your list of things-to-do this month!

Gallery U; Litill Flier & Press Release May 2015

“Litill” Small Works Group Exhibition at Gallery U, 439 South Ave W in Westfield. (908) 232-1895.
Opening reception Friday., June 5, 6pm-8pm. Free event.
I have two mixed media pieces in this show.  Show runs thru June 29, 2015.

Cross Estate Urn, (c)May2015

East Brunswick, NJ Fine Art Fest
I’ll have a booth in this annual fine arts event located surrounding the pond at the Municipal Complex by Dunhame Corner Rd., East Brunswick, NJ.  FREE outdoor event for the whole family!  Saturday, June 6th (rain date Sun., June 7th) Food available for purchase.
Aside from my fine art photography I’ll also be selling my original jewelry, t-shirts & greeting cards!  Come by for a  fun day with many local artists!

Mystics, Mourners, Dreams Book (c)Mar2015

OTHER COOL ART NEWS…
Thanks to the magic of self-publishing I’ve just completed my 3rd art book; this one features original paintings & mixed media pieces! Full color, glossy 20 pg. 8″x8″ hard cover signed books, just $50 + $5 s/h (in continental US). Here’s a preview (see pic above)…Paypal accepted.  To order email me at forestwalker333@hotmail.com

Thanks for reading!  🙂

LOVE for art in February

Time to show some LOVE for art this February!  And there are many ways to do this, especially if you’re in the New Jersey area.   I have paintings, mixed media and photography pieces exhibiting in several locations this month, along with other talented local artists as well as those from across the US…and all these events are FREE to attend!  What a great way to spend the month of love!  Here’s the details: 1. SPIRIT OF THE HUMAN FAMILY, group exhibition, Linda Grandis Blatt Gallery at Temple B’nai Or, 60 Overlook Road, Morristown, NJ 07960, opening reception Sunday 2/8/15, 2-5pm.  See postcard above for more details.

SpiritHumanFamilyPostcardJan2015

2. TWO ARTIST EXHIBIT; ART OF NEW BRUNSWICK.  I have several 35mm B&W and color digital photos in this exhibit in the Mayor’s Office in New Brunswick NJ’s City Hall,  78 Bayard Street, New Brunswick, NJ 08901 732-745-5004  Opening reception to be announced and the work will be on view by 2/1/15, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Monday through Friday

New Brunswick Master (c)L.Curtis

3. REVELATION/REVOLUTION, group exhibition runs thru the end of April and is now on display at the Nails in the Wall gallery in St. Luke’s Episcopal Church, 17 Oak. Ave., Metuchen, NJ.  I have 2 mixed media paintings here, including the one below, “Omen”.

Omen (c)2011 Lauren Curtis, oil painting with decoupage

4. I have several color,  nature photographs, including the one below,  published in the new book

The Raritan River: Our Landscape Our Legacy Limited edition!  To order your copy:

http://rutgerspress.rutgers.edu/product/Raritan-River,5244.aspx

(c)2012 Funguslace, Digital photo

Please feel free to contact me by responding to this blog, or via my websites, with any questions about these exhibits or my work! Enjoy the art & take care, Lauren http://laurencurtisart.weebly.com  (NEW fine art site!) https://laurencurtis.wordpress.com  (my Blog)                                http://www.facebook.com/LaurenCurtisArtTalonArt (Facebook Fine Art Page) http://www.LaurenCurtisArt.com (commercial & fine art)  http://laurencurtis.imagekind.com/ (cards, T-shirts, photography, illustration)          https://twitter.com/LaurenCurtisArt (now on Twitter)

Artybuzz News:

My friends at Artybuzz have some cool news about art contests on their site, so read on…and vote for my tee-shirt designs on their site & check out my available art products as well (just search for Lauren Curtis on their website!). Here’s their news:
ISSUE DATE:10//2010
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
Artybuzz.com launches New Contests Zone
This week sees the launch of a brand new interactive ‘contests zone ’ on
artists community.The new feature on Artybuzz.com allows artists,photographers and designers of
all kinds to enter a variety of interactive contests and competitions with different themes and
challenges.The contests also give the opportunity for entrants to win a range of prizes,gift
vouchers,and also exposure on the Artybuzz website itself and other partner websites.
Anyone can enter the Artybuzz.com contests,which will be running regularly from now on.Once a
piece of work is entered,it can then be voted on,and these votes help to decide the winner of the
contests.Richard Wilde,the owner of Artybuzz said “As well as having this new contests zone,the
voting system twinned with our comments system allows creative
constructive criticism on their work as well,allowing them to improve it if needed ”.In most contests
there will also be a wildcard winner chosen by a special guest judge.So even if there is a runaway
winner on the voting,if the guest judge likes a particular entry,there is still a good chance of getting
chosen as a winner,adding a further element of surprise and excitement.
The first two contests are now open for submissions
The first of the contests is a t shirt design contest,of which two winners will be chosen who will win
a variety of free gifts and also some promotional and opportunities for public exposure which.The
second contest is an art contest open to all kinds of art
will also receive free gift vouchers and will also have their work put into a large print run of posters.
For more information,or to enter a piece of work into the contests,people simply need to visit
http://www.artybuzz.com/contests-zone.php
Artybuzz.com launches New Contests Zone
a brand new interactive ‘contests zone ’ on Artybuzz.com
.The new feature on Artybuzz.com allows artists,photographers and designers of
all kinds to enter a variety of interactive contests and competitions with different themes and
lso give the opportunity for entrants to win a range of prizes,gift
vouchers,and also exposure on the Artybuzz website itself and other partner websites.
Anyone can enter the Artybuzz.com contests,which will be running regularly from now on.Once a
piece of work is entered,it can then be voted on,and these votes help to decide the winner of the
contests.Richard Wilde,the owner of Artybuzz said “As well as having this new contests zone,the
voting system twinned with our comments system allows creative ’s to gain feedback and
constructive criticism on their work as well,allowing them to improve it if needed ”.In most contests
there will also be a wildcard winner chosen by a special guest judge.So even if there is a runaway
e guest judge likes a particular entry,there is still a good chance of getting
chosen as a winner,adding a further element of surprise and excitement.
open for submissions,and are completely free for anyone
first of the contests is a t shirt design contest,of which two winners will be chosen who will win
a variety of free gifts and also some promotional and opportunities for public exposure which.The
second contest is an art contest open to all kinds of artists and photographers.The winners of this
will also receive free gift vouchers and will also have their work put into a large print run of posters.
information,or to enter a piece of work into the contests,people simply need to visit
zone.php and follow the simple steps.
Artybuzz.com,the online
.The new feature on Artybuzz.com allows artists,photographers and designers of
all kinds to enter a variety of interactive contests and competitions with different themes and
also give the opportunity for entrants to win a range of prizes,gift
vouchers,and also exposure on the Artybuzz website itself and other partner websites.
Anyone can enter the Artybuzz.com contests,which will be running regularly from now on.Once a
piece of work is entered,it can then be voted on,and these votes help to decide the winner of the
contests.Richard Wilde,the owner of Artybuzz said “As well as having this new contests zone,the
ve ’s to gain feedback and
constructive criticism on their work as well,allowing them to improve it if needed ”.In most contests
there will also be a wildcard winner chosen by a special guest judge.So even if there is a runaway
e guest judge likes a particular entry,there is still a good chance of getting
for anyone to enter.
first of the contests is a t shirt design contest,of which two winners will be chosen who will win
a variety of free gifts and also some promotional and opportunities for public exposure which.The
artists and photographers.The winners of this
will also receive free gift vouchers and will also have their work put into a large print run of posters.
information,or to enter a piece of work into the contests,people simply need to visit http://www.artybuzz.com/contests-zone.php

MH Gallery Art Show, NYC

The opening for the FACES exhibit at MH Art Gallery on 9 W. 20th St. in NYC was this past sat. night, 11/21, and it was a success! Here are the 2 pieces I have in this show which runs until 1/2/10.

Hello world!

Welcome to my new blog! Here I’ll keep you updated on exhibits, new artwork, events, etc. Hope you enjoy it, comment, communicate and keep reading! Thanks!

Oils