Soaring on the Web

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!

Children's Book Signing and Illustration Show

Have we got news for you!

We know how much you missed our annual December children's book illustration show - we missed it too! We've been dreaming and scheming and by jove, we think we've got it!

Raul Colon and Rafael Lopez

Children's Book Signing and Illustration Show

Saturday, April 4th 2015

(see below for times)

Show continues through April 18th

Benefiting The Wooden Floor

Meet award-winning illustrators, Raul Colon and Rafael Lopez, listen to their talks, and purchase original illustrations and signed books during this fun-filled afternoon of illustration goodness. But before you plan on this being the same affair as our December events have been, let us tell you...we've shaken things up.

Don't worry - whimsical, fun-filled and outstanding original illustration will still feature prominently on our walls for purchase before, during and after the main event. (Phew!)

Books are available for pre-sale NOW through March 21st, however, titles and quantities are limited. The first 100 pre-sold books per illustrator will be pre-signed and dedicated. Pre-sold books thereafter will not be pre-signed, but you can pick them up at the event and take them to the illustrators for signing and dedication. We will have limited titles and quantities available to purchase the day of the show, so to ensure you get your first choice, come in to pre-order today!

Just a reminder... the artist signing is only for books purchased at Chemers Gallery.

CLICK HERE for this year's BOOK LIST!

We know how much you've always enjoyed the illustrator talks and demos! Now it's easier to get up close and personal with the illustrators! We've moved our ever-popular artist talks and demonstrations indoors and limited seating for a more intimate, one-on-one experience with Raul and Rafael. Our limited seating of 75 seats is available by reservation only. Call or come in to Chemers Gallery with your donation of $10 per person, to The Wooden Floor, to reserve your seats by Monday, March 30th.

Schedule of Events

1:00 pm   Doors open for reserved seats

1:30 pm   Talks begin promptly

                Rafael Lopez: "Transcending Text"

                Raul Colon: "The Art of Daydreaming"

2:30 - 5 pm  Doors open to general public

Back to wow us for a 4th time with his velvety textures and smooth lines, Raul Colon again brings a wonderful array of Latin American inspired illustrations. Using washes of watercolor, colored pencil and sharp instruments to scratch into paper, Raul's unique style perfectly captures the moment.

His most recent book, Draw!, is close to Raul's heart. This delightful book without words is inspired by his own childhood spend indoors suffering from chronic asthma. Journey through his rich imagination to the wilds of Africa where pachyderm pals, gallivanting giraffes and mischievous monkeys leap off the page.

Although the original illustrations from this book will not be available for purchase, we will have limited edition prints as well as originals from Raul's other books, coming soon! 

Rafael Lopez is joining us again! His vivid works are infused with the magical symbolism he experienced growing up in Mexico City. His bold acrylic paintings on wood are textural and rich, appearing collage-like in their effect. Rafael's stylistic approach is reminiscent of Diego Rivera. Rafael's many recognitions include Pura Belpre and Americas Awards.

With a release date of March 24th, you know what that means...Get your 1st Editions here! Drum Dream Girl is full of dream-like imagery that makes you want to melt into the book. Based on the true story of a Chinese-African-Cuban girl in the 1930's who broke Cuba's traditional taboo against female drummers, Rafael's illustrations are interspersed with emotion and whimsy.

A Percentage of Art Sales to Benefit...

Located in Santa Ana, The Wooden Floor is a nonprofit organization that seeks to empower low-income youth with strong self-esteem, self-discipline and a sense of accomplishment through dance, academic and family programs. Since 2005, 100% of their students have graduated from high school on time and have gone on to pursue higher education.

Remember...

• Pre-sales of books are limited & will continue until March 21st
• Seating for illustrator talks & demos is by reservation only & will be inside Chemers Gallery
• Please reserve by March 30th

See you soon!

Upcoming Show: Viewpoints Orange County All Media 2015

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. 

Viewpoints: Orange County All Media 2015

Artist Reception - April 18, 2015, 5:30 - 8:00pm

Show continues through May 2, 2015

 

 Participating Artists

Gary Armstrong . Helen Bell . Roger Bennett . Gobind Boyes

Dorothy Cavanagh . Dana Cooper . Toni Danchik . Barbara Davidson 

 Kevin Davidson . Dori Dewberry . Kay Flierl . Cindy Greene

Deborah Harold . Terry Houseworth . Esther Jacks . Steve Kell

Paul Kratter . Prerana Kulkarni . William Lowe . Maz Mahjoobi

Ian Montelongo . Sandra Morrison . Erich Neubert . Paige Oden

Max Ollendorff . Rita Pacheco . Pamela Panattoni . April Raber

Pete Roberts . Laura Rosenkranz .  Sharyn Sakimoto . Janine Salzman

John Sawyer . Jeff Sewell . Albert Stanchfield

Kim VanDerHoek . Kathleen Williams . Jim Wodark

Mark your calendars now for special artist demonstrations 
Saturday, May 2nd from 2:00 - 5:00p 
at Chemers Gallery! 

Save the Date!

Keep those peepers peeled for updated information, coming soon!

2015 Book List

Book List for

Children's Book Signing and Illustration Show
at
Chemers Gallery
Saturday, April 4th 2015 1:00 - 5:00pm
Show continues through April 18th

Benefiting The Wooden Floor

Featuring award-winning illustrators

  Raul Colon and Rafael Lopez

Titles and quantities are limited so get your book order in now!

Pre-sale of books is on NOW through March 21st! The first 100 books per illustrator will be pre-signed and dedicated before the event. Pre-sold books thereafter will not be pre-signed, but you can pick them up at the event and take them to the illustrators for signing and dedication. We will have limited titles and quantities available to purchase the day of the show, so to ensure you get your first choice, come in to pre-order yours TODAY!

View all of the original illustrations on our website by clicking the artist's names below, or come in to see them in person!

For more details about the show, click HERE.

Please note: Signing only for books purchased at Chemers Gallery 
Book list subject to change 

Raul Colon
Abuelo.....Ages 4-8.....$17.99
Baseball Is.....Ages 7-10.....$17.99
Draw!.....Ages 4-8.....$17.99
Leontyne Price.....Ages 5-8.....$17.99
Look Up!.....Ages 4-8.....$16.99
Portraits of Hispanic American Heroes.....Ages 8-12.....$19.99



 


Rafael Lopez
Book Fiesta!.....Ages 3-8.....$17.99
The Cazuela That the Farm Maiden Stirred.....Ages 5-8.....$17.95
Drum Dream Girl.....Ages 5-8.....$16.99
Our California.....Ages 6-10.....$18.95
Tito Puente.....Ages 4-8.....$17.99

Call to Artists! Viewpoints: Orange County All Media 2015

Tustin Area Council for Fine Art (TACFA) & Chemers Gallery

Call To Artists

Viewpoints: Orange County

All Media 2015

Juried Exhibition

Juror: Greg LaRock

April 18 - May 2, 2015

Artist Reception April 18, 5:30 - 8:00p

Deadline for entry is Wednesday, March 4, 2015! 

Award-winning art from Greg LaRock, Ursula Olsson and Michael Ward from the 2014 show

 

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.

Get ready and get creative - the deadline for entry is 

March 4, 2015 

and it will be here before you know it! 

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 help@OnlineJuriedShows.com.

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.

Spotlight Chemers Gallery Handmade Holiday - Meet the Artisans!

Updated 12-1-14

'Tis the season! The holidays are right around the corner and we can't wait for our first ever...

Over the next few weeks leading up to our Holiday Artisan Faire we will be shinning a spotlight on our Artists & Artisans and sharing a sampling of their delightful goodies with you. Keep checking back, because we'll be updating weekly!

Keep scrolling to the bottom for details about our raffle drawings, benefiting The Wooden Floor!

NEW!
OC Local Honey
Bee detective by day and honey expert by night! Amy has the sweetest gifts around. After "bee"ing in the industry for 9 years, Amy really knows her honey and has since perfected the recipe. Her honey is collected from local Orange County bee farms and produced in small batches. Each batch has a slightly different flavor profile depending on where it came from and all packed with natural goodness. Amy will have a variety of jar sizes and fun honey sticks that will melt in your mouth!  

Amy Kekst
Are you are looking for something sparkly this holiday? Look no further than our Holiday Artisan Faire for jewelry by Amy! Gemstones, crystals, one-of-a-kind vintage elements and chains feature in her titillating trinkets. Her extensive selection of necklaces, earrings and bracelets change with the seasons offering mixed metal chains and nuggets paired with sparkly stones and beads. Her selections for Dec.6th are sure to provide you with an assortment of choices!

Lori Lawson
Stand out this season with Lori's wearable fibers! After retiring from law, she decided to take hold of her creative side and finally get serious about her first love, fiber. For the past 15 years she has perfected her skills in knitting, crocheting, weaving, and felting. Passionate about her work, Lori hand-dyes and spins all of her yarns to make uniquely designed garments, scarves, shawls. Pick out a great new accessory for all your winter outfits or make it a special gift, either way Lori’s creations will enhance your already gorgeous style!  

Elizabeth Nadler
Love beads? Then be sure to see Elizabeth at our Holiday Artisan Faire! Fall in love with Elizabeth’s simply elegant designs that are perfect for every occasion. She uses gold and silver paired with gemstones and crystals of all colors to create her one-of-a-kind necklaces and earrings. Choose from elegant faceted stones, lustrous pearls and intricate filigree to complete your holiday look. Most prices are $25-75 to stock up on your stuffers!
 

Joanna Craft
For your fill of eclectic mixed metal jewelry, be sure to visit Joanna! Her contemporary designs range from geometric to free-form and are just the right portions of silver, copper and brass. Her modern forms allow for color and design to shine for any occasion. Joanna’s newest pieces feature enamel and unpolished stones, and are so stunning you won’t want to miss them while they are here! 

 Leona Hawks
Traveling all the way from Utah, Leona will be sharing her extensive range of fused glass! Leona begins with recycled clear glass and artfully adds color in the form of metal oxides, ground and dichroic glass, copper pieces or other materials to produce chemical reactions in the heat of the kiln. The results are striking fused glass trays, dishes and light catchers that are organic in nature and ecstatic in hue. Explore Leona’s spectacular glass for yourself Dec. 6th!  

Michelene Berkey 
Although jewelry artist, Michelene, can’t make it to our Holiday Artisan Faire, her sister Cathy will be bringing her latest "twiggy" treasures just for YOU! Try on her newest tidbits that use bees, hearts, flowers, dragonflies and even twigs in her designs. Silver and gold complement her assortment of pendants, rings, bangles and more. Longtime fan favorite Michelene will have the perfect gift for the nature lover in your life! 

Diva Desserts
Calling all sweet tooths… Diva Desserts is to tempt your taste buds. Our longtime friend Jan mixes up the smoothest cheesecake, devilicious Kahlua cake and simply sinful chocolate chip cookies. Take them with you or place an order for the holidays, whichever you choose… your mouth will sing! Jan has been cooking up a signature, never before sampled cake using fellow artisan Tatratea liqueur… Woo-hoo is it scrumptious!  

JC Milner
The imaginative JC Milner will be sharing her quirky jewelry at our Holiday Artisan Faire. Twirly birds, homing birds, tweety birds, painted birds, preening birds, lovely flowers... and dwellings of all kinds... this is the most ridiculous fun jewelry can be! Jennie works her magic with acrylic paint, resin and silver to create whimsical earrings, necklaces, pins and more. Each piece is one-of-a-kind and guaranteed to bring a smile to your face. Don't miss your chance to meet Jennie!
 
Lisa Mertins
Lisa is bringing the ceramic love to our Holiday Artisan Faire! Working in as many mediums as she possibly can, Lisa does it all! From intriguing ceramics and fine art to jewelry and children's book illustrations, this talented lady is always up to something new. Lisa's creativity satisfies the whimsical palate with her stamped fine-walled porcelain creations. Always creating something new, we can't wait to see what she brings us! 

Sola Foods

Holiday gift ideas got you in a “jam?” Have we got a treat for you! Sola Foods specializes in fantastic sweet and spicy salsas, jams, spreads and relishes, all 100% natural and 100% sure to win your heart! Using only the best ingredients from local farmers markets, Sola Foods takes their time to create a unique and tantalizing experience. All products are made in small batches enabling them to pack one pound of fruit in every 10oz jar of jam & spreads! Be sure to sample their famous "Cheeky Kiwi" jam! 

Barbara Lanci
Feast your eyes on Barbara's gorgeous treasures! Her tempting earrings, bold "elevation" cuffs and intricate necklaces are crafted entirely by hand from fine silver, argentium and unique stones. Trained under master jewelers, Barbara continues to challenge herself to come up with new designs craftier than the last. She just might have your new favorite piece of jewelry!  

Elaine Hyde
Always a crowd pleaser, Elaine's beautiful art glass creations shimmer and shine with iridescence. Starting her glass career at the Brooks Institute of Fine Arts in California, she went on to work and train at the Pilchuck Glass Center under Dale Chihuly during the formative years of the renowned institute. Elaine has exhibited her glass worldwide and has won numerous awards for her work. The way the colors shift and change under different light is simply magical. We are sure you'll agree that her vases and perfume bottles are little treasures!

Bistro Blends

Bistro Blends offers the most amazing and unique Balsamic Vinegars and Gourmet Olive Oil Blends. They adhere only to the highest standards, requiring only the best of Barrel-Aged Balsamic Vinegars from the Modena Region of Italy and Olive Oils from around the world, including California’s own, Napa Valley. Bistro Blends provides a distinct and enlightening blend of flavors, herbs and spices in every selection, assuring any self-proclaimed food connoisseur their rightful place in culinary heaven.

Suzanne Currie

Suzanne mixes up paint and paper to create her brightly-hued mixed media on wood melodies. She constructs a frenzy of bright colors and attractive patterns, and then finishes them off with a layer of epoxy resin to give them a nice shine. Her creations take the form of small, one-of-a-kind contemporary images, large bold statement pieces, artsy bangle bracelets and fun throw pillow.

Soraya Montelongo

Local gal Soraya has a flair for gemstones, beads and crystals! She labors over her stunning hand-beaded creations to craft wearable magic. A mostly self-taught artisan, Soraya's jewelry follows intricate designs and color schemes that could only be paired by her intuitive eye. Soraya continues to push her beaded work to the limit with innovative techniques and designs, all the while silencing voices that claim “it can’t be done!” Come see her latest designs and find just the right one for yourself or a friend!  

Tatratea

Ready to get your tea on? Tea liqueur that is! Made in Slovakia, Tatratea unites the finest brewed black Assam tea with a number of hand-picked botanical ingredients and fresh fruit in a unique fermentation process. Enjoy as an addition to traditional hot tea or sip chilled neat, on the rocks, or in an endless variety of delicious cocktails if you are in the mood for something festive! Available in six flavors of Coconut, Citrus, Peach, Original, Bohemian and Outlaw and range in proof from 22% to 72%. Rado will be mixing up some knock your socks off libations.

Monique Selwitz
New & Exclusively at Chemers Gallery!
Silver and gemstone jewelry with an oh-so-contemporary flair are the hallmarks of Monique's rings, pendants and earrings. This talented artisan takes inspiration from her creative upbringing surrounded by artists, galleries, goldsmiths and musicians. Originally from Switzerland, Monique comes from a background of biological science. She possess a keen interest in melding both traditional and new metalsmithing techniques.

 
Mary Hammond
Mary's delightful handmade fiber designs are the result of dabbling in domestic crafts, sewing clothes, and needlepoint. While working alongside her mother, Mary fabricated her own process by combining knitted fabrics with quilting and collage techniques. Inspired by designs found in nature, Mary sews together various yarns, fibers and silk pieces and then washes them to ensure every creation is soft and wearable. Her elegant creations can be hung on the wall, draped over a table or bureau, or worn as an eye catching scarf! 

Luisa Chocolatiere

Custom chocolate house, Luisa Chocolatiere, features delicious handmade gourmet chocolates of premium grade and absolute freshness. Luisa learned the art of chocolate making from Monsieur Sender, Master Patissier and Chocolatier in Paris. She received additional training in advanced specialty chocolate courses in Nanterre, west of Paris. Luisa crafts a variety of delectable confections with the highest quality ingredients, assuring rich, silky smooth chocolate goodness in every bite. We are so excited to have Luisa participate in our Holiday Artisan Faire and can’t wait for you to meet her and her oh-so-yummy chocolates! 

Raffle Benefiting The Wooden Floor

We are happy to announce that we have at least 15 raffle prizes, donated by our lovely artisans, Enderle Center and ourselves, to give away on Dec. 6th! That means there will be a minimum of two winners per hour! One free entry ticket will be provided with your first purchase and additional entries are available for $5 each or 5 entries for $20. Raffle winners do not have to be present to win.

All money collected will go to The Wooden Floor, a nonprofit organization in Santa Ana that seeks to empower low-income youth with strong self-esteem, self-discipline and a sense of accomplishment through dance, academic and family programs. Since 2005, 100% of their students have graduated from high school on time and have gone on to pursue higher education. This is about 3 times the national average of their socio-economic peers.

To learn more about The Wooden Floor please click here.

But wait! There's more!

We will have complimentary gift wrapping and if the mood strikes you our voluntary wrapping elves will be happy to accept donations to The Wooden Floor.

See you December 6th!