Sci-fi and Fantasy Art

Natalie Cutrufello Presents: “Sci-fi and Fantasy Art for the Escapist at Heart.”

This graphic artist will exhibit her work in a one-person show at the Unitarian-Universalist Church of Greeley on First Fridays, June 1 and also July 6. Please view the art between 5 and 7 pm . Ms Cutrufello will talk about her work at 7 pm. The public  is encouraged to attend the artist’s reception.

         She explained she will speak “ about what my art means to me and why I gravitate towards certain subject matter. Art, to me, has to tell a story. Life is already full of hardships, so I'd rather address those hardships in settings that are fantastic, and instead of gritty realism, embrace vibrant colors to make even the worst problem seem like a fun adventure."

         The exhibit will  be on display at 929 15th St. and 10^th Ave., Unitarian-Universalist Church of Greeley. It will continue through July 29. Open also  Sundays 10:30 to Noon.

ONE SURVIVOR REMEMBERS

“One Survivor Remembers,” A 38 minute video, will start at 7:00 pm and be introduced by Dr. Barry Rothaus Professor Emeritus, University of Northern Colorado.  He will give a short history of the Holocaust Memorial Observances held in Greeley for over 30 years.

Open to the public, April 6, 5:00-8:00pm at the Unitarian Universalist Church of Greeley 929 15^th St. and 10th Ave. 

A  poster display depicting the History, Liberation, Justice and Accountability of the Holocaust, will be open for viewing from 5-7 pm. The Poster display will also be open Sundays in April, 10am-Noon.

Music and short videos titled Why We Remember the Holocaust, Defying Genocide and animated historical maps will be played repeatedly in the first part of the evening. 

April 6 is Passover, and Refreshments for the evening will include some traditional foods and treats often served at Passover. 

TEXTILE HANDCRAFTS and PIANO SOLO by JONATHON HOFMANN

© Bonnie White,                                                    Brown and Blue Needlepoint Rug.

Bonnie White will show her needlepoint tapestry rugs and purses as the featured  attraction in  a group exhibit of various kinds of needlework, to be showcased at the Unitarian-Universalist Church of Greeley at 929 15^th and 10^th Ave. The opening reception for the exhibit will be on March 2 from 5-8 pm. continuing through March 25. The visual artists will be available between 5 and 6:30 pm to speak with the public. Jonathon Hofmann will perform at the Piano from 7 through 8 pm. The exhibit will also be open from 10:30 to noon on Sundays. Sponsored by Chalice Arts.

 

TEXTILE  HANDCRAFTS

FROM SEWING TO NEEDLEPOINT

Sewing, crocheting, knitting, and tatting were the kinds of handiwork we did during the years of growing up my the Ohio home and visiting Pontiac, Michigan, where my mother’s  parents lived and I visited each Summer. 

Yes, there was cooking and cleaning too.  But when the weather was hot in the 1930’s,  no air conditioning was available, although a fan was used now and then.  We would use the porch to sit and do fabricating work.. 

My Grandmother and Great Grandmother would be busy with their needles while nearby I might be under a tree with numerous different sized dolls making clothes out of the materials that Grammie would pick up from the yard goods department.  These were good sized left over strips from the bolts of yard goods sold.  

One day she took me aside to show me how to embroider. She had purchased several squares of bonnet girls to do. I loved this, as it was like painting and when they were all done, Grammie took them and made a quilt for my twin bed. 

Mother showed me how to knit, but that was not artistic enough for me even though I marveled at all the argyle knitting she was doing. She showed me crotcheting and that was worse, as it was too slow. My Grandmother was very disappointed when I showed the same kind of interest in tatting, as it was slower yet.  One day in a department store, women were in a class doing needle point and as I watched I became interested, and thought I can do that, and took off doing needlepoint, and I have been working with tapestry type projects ever since.

The small purses (Moonbags) were needlepoint projects that I could take with me when we were taking trips by airplane, and then we purchased an RV, the larger pieces could be done while traveling around the country. Those were the days -not to be done again.

                                             Bonnie White

UNVEILED, A Benefit Art Exhibit and Silent Auction

Soraya's Photo ©

Unveiled, an art exhibit and silent auction of donated art works will be on display from January 28th through February 26th when bids for the art may be made, at the Unitarian-Universalist Church of Greeley, 929 15th St and 10th Ave.  The exhibit is a cooperative effort between V-Day and Chalice Arts to benefit SAVA (Sexual Assault Victim's Advocate)  and V-Day of Greeley.

The reception and Open house will take place on February 3,  First Friday from 5 to 8 pm. Refreshments will be provided by Cocoa Camellia and Chalice Arts. Art may contain adult content.

The exhibit may also be seen on January 28th,  at 2 pm, during a V-Day documentary, "Until the Violence Stops" It can also be visited on Sundays during church at 10:30 am to noon.

V-Day the group produces different versions of Vagina Monologues each year, and other events to raise money to support SAVA. Several events will take place throughout  January and February. The Vagina Monologues will staged on Feb. 17th at 7 pm and Feb. 18th at 2 pm and 7 pm. also at the Unitarian Universalist Church of Greeley. 

Questions or comments about the events may be directed to Mariah at poetmarawr@yahoo.com

The image shown above is the copy right © of the artist.

TWO EVENTS OFFERED JANUARY 6TH FIRST FRIDAY 2012

 Birds of a Feather                                   © by Sylvia Falconer

Looking Through the Kaliedescope, Mixed Media Collage and Assemblage, an art exhibit by Sylvia Falconer, at the Unitarian-Universalist Church of Greeley, 929 15^th St. and 10^th Ave. The artist will be present to talk with the public on First Friday Jan 6 from 5 to 6:30 pm. The Exhibit will continue through January 22, 2012. (a change to the previously scheduled exhibit) Open also Sundays 10:30 am-12 noon. 

To read about Ms Falconer's background,  please see the previous post.

Write with Matches, a performance of original poetry by young performance poets, including slam poetry  is planned for the last half of the First Friday event, 6:30 until 8 pm or so. Donations encouraged. Sponsored by Chalice Arts.

Images shown on this site are the sole Copyright  © of the Artist creating the work.

Looking Through the Kaliescope

 
Looking Through the Kaliedescope, Mixed Media Collage and Assemblage, an art exhibit by Sylvia Falconer, at the Unitarian-Universalist Church of Greeley, 929 15^th  St. and 10^th Ave. First Friday artist reception Dec. 2 from 5 to 8 pm. The Artist will speak about her work at 7 pm. The Exhibit will continue through January 29, 2012. Open also Sundays 10:30 am-12 noon, sponsored by Chalice Arts.

 

Sylvia Falconer's Background:

Sylvia Falconer has followed a career as a minister, a writer and a speaker. She has become well known in Greeley as a minister and a writer. In addition to raising a family, she has spent 23 years as a Unitarian Minister. She has taught, counseled, has had two TV programs, and has lived in several different places in her life so far, including Seattle, the Netherlands, and Alaska.

Ms Falconer has been moved by art since she was a child, and it has been part of her life everywhere she has been, spending time studying, collecting art or supporting artists where she has lived.

Seventeen years ago, she developed Essential Tremor, which affected her voice and hands. She continued her ministry in spite of the devastating loss of the ability to speak, through writing for various publications, including Faith columns in the Greeley Tribune. After a friend suggested she experiment with art, she decided to try, and began with fabric collage. Thus began Sylvia’s expression through art.

“With my shaky hands, the cutting and placement was difficult, yet the joy of creating a story with fabric, paper, paints, or whatever trinkets I found filled me with delight.  I was creating something, not with words (though you’ll find words therein), but with a whole different part of my senses.” ,

Recent Art Experience:

The content of Sylvia’s work is related to all of her life experiences, including  family, feminism, and social justice, and simply the joy of creating beauty. She loves experimenting with various media. Sylvia has exhibited her artistic work now for around seven years, receiving awards  in Art from the Heart Competitions and Senior Exhibits, for her work in mixed media, collage, assemblage, oils and acrylics.

Deep  Brain Stimulation Surgery has enabled her to speak again, to use her hands, to write, and to create artwork with more dexterity, which she expects to continue for the rest of her life.

SEPTEMBER 2 FIRST FRIDAY EXHIBIT AND PROGRAM,

Story Quilts and the Underground Railroad

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The Story In The Quilt, a special exhibit and presentation, including musical interpretation will be offered by quilt-maker Corrine Cummins-Dietz and vocalist Jeanie Snyder. The first presentation will begin at 7 pm ,and the second presentation about other story quilts on display will start at around 7:30 pm. This First Friday Exhibit will be open September 2, 2011, from 5 until 8pm at the Unitarian-Universalist Church of Greeley, 929 15th St., Greeley, 80631, sponsored by Chalice Arts, a committee of the UU Church. Open also on Sunday Sept. 4, following church from 11:30 to12:30. This exhibit ends Sept. 5th.

The first presentation, featuring The Underground Quilt is based on the Underground Railroad.[1]  Twelve quilt blocks containing the “ secret quilt  codes” will be displayed to accompany the commentary.  After the “secret code” of each quilt block is explained, a Spiritual with the same message will be sung. The “secret quilt codes” will take the listener from the “gather your tools” time to the “home in heaven” time.            

The story of the Underground Railroad is also used as a vehicle to address some current social issues.

Ms. Dietz will talk briefly about story quilts and the piecing techniques used in the wall hangings in the second part of her presentation.

Corrine (Corki) Cummins-Dietz, the story teller, is a retired fifth grade teacher.  She taught in a bilingual/bicultural classroom.  She has always enjoyed telling stories and/or doing dramatizations to make history come alive.  Since retirement Ms. Cummins-Dietz has presented several of her stories at nursing/assisted living facilities, and other organizations in Greeley. Ms Dietz has loved sewing since early in life.  Later, this turned into a passion for quilting. As a teacher she was known for her pieced/quilted clothing that coordinated with the  various units being taught. Many of  her quilts/quilted wall hangings tell a story.              

Jeanie Snyder, the vocalist, has been singing all her life. Currently, she is a member of the First United Methodist Church choir.  She periodically entertains at various nursing/assisted living facilities. Ms. Snyder has performed in several Greeley Stampede Troupe productions. She was  the Bird of Samarkand in “Once Upon a Mattress," Mrs. Bumble in “Oliver”, and Miss Hannigan in “Annie”.  Ms Snyder enjoys supporting Ms Cummins-Dietz in her quilt history presentations.  

The Images above are the exclusive Copyright © of Corrinne  Cummins-Dietz and may not be reproduced without written permission from the artist.

A Moment In Time -Richard and Marcy Trahan Photography

A Moment in Time, Photography by Richard and Marcy Trahan will be on exhibit July 1 through August 28 at the Unitarian-Universalist Church of Greeley at 929 15^th Street and 10^th Avenue in Greeley. The public is invited to the opening and reception from 5 to 8 pm on First Friday, July 1. The artists will be available to talk with the public, and will speak more formally about their work at 7 pm. Additional hours to view the work on Friday July 15 from 5-8 and First Friday August 5 from 5-7 will be arranged. Visitors may also see the show from 11:30 am to 12:30 on Sundays in July. The Exhibit is sponsored by Chalice Arts and UUCG.

Anyone who appreciates monumental landscape photography will not want to miss seeing this show!. The team included this quote about their theme for their exhibit, A Moment in Time, “a photographic image not only provides an impression of what exists, but it also illustrates a personal interpretation of place and captures that unique moment in time that will never come again.”

As long-time outdoor enthusiasts, they continue to explore the wonders of nature and push themselves to improve their photographic skills both with the camera and with the digital potentials of the computer.  Their work has been recognized with awards regionally for the unique ways in which they capture the spirit of the wild.  Recently in 2010,  Richard was awarded Best of Show by the Photographic Society of America Electronic Imagining Division. 

Fans may have seen their striking images previously in local exhibits of their work at Family of Christ Presbyterian Church, at the Farr Library, in the Mari Michener Gallery, at the James A. Michener Library and in Tointon Gallery at the UCCC in 2009/2010, as well as at the Greeley Medical Clinic at Centerra. Their work has been displayed in other area cities as well . 

The experienced talents of these two local artists are truly a gift to our community. Richard has written monthly articles for the Greeley Tribune on digital photography.  Both Rich and Marcy teach a “Digital Photography 101” course for Aims Community College Continuing Education to assist beginning photographers on how to get the most out of their digital cameras. Both are active in the Loveland Photographic Society as judges for club photo competitions and as photography field trip leaders/mentors.

Images and text on this site are the © Copyright of Richard and Marcy Trahan, and may not be used for any purpose without their permission.

Art That Speaks

A Children's Art Exhibit

Unitarian-Universalist Youth brought their art creations to be exhibited on the Sanctuary walls for May through June 29. The challenge for all ages was to think about what their art means, and what it says. A further task for conceptualizing art imagery was to try to see if the art illustrated one or more of the seven principles that are the foundation of Unitarian-Unitarian practice and standards for living.

These Principles are stated in an abbreviated form as follows:

*Belief in the inherent worth and dignity of every person.

*Justice equity and compassion in human relations.

*Acceptance of one another and encouragement to spiritual growth in our congregations.

*A free and responsible search for truth and meaning.

*The right of conscience and the use of the democratic process within our congregations and in society at large.

*The goal of world community with peace, liberty, and justice for all.

*Respect for the interdependent web of all existence of which we are a part.


Chalice Arts was formed to encourage spiritual growth through creative expression. We hope to present a variety of art forms, visual arts, literary arts, music, dramatic and performance arts and more, which are open to the public, to encourage a dialogue between artists of various art forms and the public, with a goal of enrichment for all. The group is open to non-church members.

I Never Saw Another Butterfly

A Holocaust Memorial Exhibit, “I Never Saw Another Butterfly,” will be on display from Sunday April 17^th through Sunday, May 8^th at the Unitarian Universalist Church of Greeley, at 929 15^th St and 10^th Ave. This exhibit is one of many Greeley Holocaust Memorial Observances to be sponsored in several places in town in the next few weeks.

A well-known book of poetry, an anthology of poems written by or about children at the Terezin concentration camp in the Holocaust, is called “I Never Saw Another Butterfly,” edited by Hana Velovkova.

Based on this book, and the terrible facts of the Holocaust, Greeley school children  have created butterflies to remember the lives of children who lived in those harsh times.

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Chalice Arts (of UUCG) will feature a collection of posters from several years  of past Holocaust memorial observances, and will also show a number of hand made art and origami butterflies made by Greeley school children to memorialize those who lived or died during the Holocaust.

The public is welcomed to visit the exhibit on First Friday, May 6, 2011 from 5 to 7 pm. People are also invited to visit

the exhibit on Sundays following the service from 12 to 1pm.

The exhibit continues through May 8.

Image above, Two Rabbis and the Art Piece at Right are the ©Copyright of

the artists who created them, owned by Beth Israel Synagogue on Reservoir Road in Greeley, and are included here only for the purpose of publicizing this Exhibit event. Other use of these images is strictly forbidden.

A Little Bit of Magic

Second Saturday Writers Group from Greeley, will share their writing and perform a little bit of magic,  on First Friday, May 6 from 7 to 8 pm. at the Unitarian Universalist Church. The location is at 929 15^th St and 10^th Avenue.

Some of these writers are published, and their books will be available. The member’s works span a range of writing genres and styles, from short stories to humorous essays to poetry. There may even be a little magic in the mix.

The group of around ten members has met monthly for about ten years on Second Saturday mornings a 9 am. at the New Life Church on 47^th St. The group is open to new members.

There will be no admission charge, although donations to Chalice Arts, which sponsors various arts events, are appreciated.

 by Chalice Arts Coordinator

Fred Myers Exhibit, March through April 11

Fred Myers, Florida.                                                        ©Fred Myers

"Reflections and Recollections: Works Through Time," an exhibit of Fred Myer’s work is on display currently in the Unitarian-Universalist Church of Greeley at 929 15^th St and 10^th Ave. Fred will be attendance at a reception to be held from 5 to 8 pm on First Friday, April 1^st. Additional hours to view the show will be from 12 to 3 pm on Saturday, April 2,  and Sunday, April 3,  from 12 to 3 pm. and on other Sundays from 12 to 1pm. It is rumored that a spontaneous blue grass jam may occur after 7pm.

Fred's exhibit features a collection of past and present works that span the range of oil painting, oil pastel, pastel and graphite (pencil). Subjects include numerous landscapes and some figurative work. Those familiar with his work will not want to miss this rare opportunity to see his unique vision, once again.

Myers has lived for several years with his wife Judith in Pensacola, Florida. He is an active member of the Plein Air Artists of Pensacola, where he continues to use his eye for composition and form, his vision of light and his appreciation of color to create extraordinary images of even common subjects.

Fred Myers is professor emeritus of drawing and painting from the University of Northern Colorado, where his commitment to sharing his passion and talent for art inspired students and colleagues for over 26 years. Myers taught drawing and painting in the Department of Visual Arts until 1994.He holds a Bachelor of Visual Arts degree from Auburn University and a Master of Fine Arts degree in painting from the University of Oklahoma.

Myers' work has been included in juried and group exhibitions in Alabama, California, Colorado, Florida, Missouri, Montana, North Dakota, Indiana, Oklahoma, New Mexico, Illinois, Texas, Washington, D.C., Wyoming and in Florence, Italy. His work is in a number of public collections including the University of Oklahoma, the Springfield Art Museum in Springfield, Missouri, Del Mar College in San Antonio, Texas, New Mexico State University and the University of Northern Colorado. His work is also in numerous private collections all over the United States.

The Exhibit is sponsored by Chalice Arts, a committee of the Unitarian/Universalist Church of Greeley. 

The Image and Writing on this post are the Copyright of © Fred Myers, used here by his permission.

Chalice Arts Exhibit Feb. 4, at UU Church of Greeley.

Montage and Metaphor, an exhibit of montages by Ruth Zachary continues through February. Her richly detailed works in photo montage, collage and etching may be viewed at the Unitarian-Universalist Church on Feb. 4, First Friday, from 5 to 8 pm. at 929 15^th St and 10^th Avenue. The exhibit began in January and continues to the end of February, open also on Sundays following church services from 11am. to noon.

Montage, with the layering of imagery suggests visual metaphors, to convey ideas and emotion, much as metaphor does in writing. Interspersed with her visual images, she has included poems, dealing with topics often stimulated by similar experiences to convey the relationship between the different creative processes.  

Music by Claire Barta on Violin and Kristina Bain on Flute will be performed between 6:30 and 7pm. Ms Zachary will be available from 5 to 6 and from 7 until 8 to answer questions about content of her work and techniques used.

The solo show is sponsored by Chalice Arts, a group formed to promote opportunities for interaction between various artists of different art forms and to stimulate creative dialogue both for artists and the community. Ms Zachary is coordinator of the group at this time.

Ms Zachary has lived in Greeley since 2004, moving from Michigan that year. She has been active in two Greeley Arts Organizations and in two writing groups since 2005,