The Upstage Gallery and Jayhawk Theatre present “Artistic by Nature” an art exhibit featuring 2 of Kansas’ best artists who each retrieve inspiration from experiences they find in nature. The gallery will host a reception on March 2nd, 2012 from 5-9pm. The Upstage Gallery is located at 720 SW Jackson in the Jayhawk Towers. This Art Exhibit will be on display through the month of March. Gallery hours are Monday through Friday 9-5pm.
Nature has inspired artists – including painters and sculptors – from every corner of Kansas. This exhibit is a reflection of that inspiration bringing together the works of two artists – Julie Blichmann and Kathleen Hoff – both from varied backgrounds but both from the Kansas area.
Julie Blichmann is a lifelong photographer and artist she integrates her love of horses into her works. Julie began early in life with a simple Kodak Instamatic camera. At that time she had no idea how her love for photography would grow. Since then, after studying photography and technologies involved, she has advanced to digital photography. Through the use of her Nikon D300 she explores her fascination with High Dynamic Range and Infrared Photography by pursuing locations she feels are worthy of these two photographic processes.
“I have always had a fascination with cameras and photography. My other passion is horses. But always, waiting just to the side, was a camera, waiting for me to pick it up and start capturing one of the most beautiful animals I have ever known…The Horse. Their power, beauty and grace still astound me to this day. My small herd tends to be my subject matter. “ – Julie Blichmann
Kathleen Hoff of Wild Things Studio is native from Hays, KS. She has been an active artist in Lawrence, Hays, and Wichita. She grew up in Western Kansas surrounded by what she calls “extreme landscapes”. She discovered pastels a few years back while taking a workshop at The Lawrence Art Guild. Since then she has accumulated a long list of regional exhibits featuring her nature pastels and has won awards including The Wichita Midwest Garden Show, KAC Mini-Fellowship, and Topeka Art Guild Annual Exhibit.
“Growing up in western Kansas (native of Hays), I was surrounded by a landscape of extremes . . . a level horizon stretching out forever . . . fields of wheat and prairie grass . . . an immense sky displaying an ever-changing vista of clouds, storms, sunrises, sunsets . . . the zen-like quality of the sparseness of trees and hills . . . the omnipresent wind . . . the changing of the seasons . . . inspired by this amazing environment . . . the patterns, colors, rhythms . I also find inspiration in many modern painters including Van Gogh and the pastelist Wolf Kahn.” – Kathleen Hoff
Artistic by Nature will be on exhibit in The Upstage Gallery located in the historic Jayhawk Towers through the month of March.
Other artists participating in this exhibit have a strong presence in the Kansas area and range from emerging to established careers. They include: Robert Ash, Jim Ginavan, Barb Quaney, Mary Anderson, Beth Cain, Angela Lexow, Pam Renovato, Joe Williams, Randy Fay, Celia Smith, and Linden Kirby.
For more information, contact The Upstage Gallery at 785-233-4295 or Pam Renovato at 785-817-8058
The Upstage Gallery Developing Artist Program is an opportunity designed to promote a real life art world experience. Young talent are given the opportunity to participate in actual gallery procedures through artist interaction, mentoring, and gallery exhibition.
Selected artist for February, Shaylene Rees, is a young photographer who attends Bishop Seabury Academy in Lawrence, Ks. 15 year old Shaylene was born in Topeka and is a former student of Topeka Colegiate.
The gallery has worked very closely with her to prepare her for this exhibit. She will show her works along with other professional artists and will be guided through the same processes that all artists must learn including framing, pricing, and receptions.
Shaylene was chosen for her talent, technical skills, eagerness to learn, and an exceptional understanding of creative processes for someone of such a young age.
“I started taking photos about four or five years ago, only seriously getting into it two years ago. A year ago, I got my first Nikon. I felt powerful behind that lens and I just started shooting.
In 4-H, I have been getting awards for my photography since I was 9. Last year, I got an award for one of my pictures. “Best Use of Color” was chosen for my photo out of 175 photos. So far, that has been my greatest honor. I hope to go further and become a professional photographer.” – Shaylene Reese
“As an artist myself, I can remember a handful of people who played very important roles in the artist I have become. Had I not encountered these people in earlier years, some teachers some artists, my life might be very different. I believe working with young artists is the best way to give back to an art world that has given so much to me. When I was offered the opportunity to work with Shaylene I jumped at the chance. It was the glow in her personality and her passion for art that I noticed most. Young adults such as her are the future of the art world“- Pam Renovato, The Upstage Gallery Curator
Shaylene will be on exhibit at for the entire month of February. Opening reception will be held on First Friday February 3rd, 2012 from 5-9pm. The Upstage Gallery is located at 720 SW Jackson in the Jayhawk Towers.
Artists interested in being considered for this program may contact the curator Pam Renovato at: 785-817-8058 or upstage@jayhawktheatre.com
“The Upstage Gallery Partners with 10 Local, Regional, and National Artists for an Eclectic Art Exhibit”
The Upstage Gallery is honored to host an exhibition of work by some of the most influential artists in their mediums.
The Upstage Gallery and Jayhawk Theatre present an eclectic art exhibit featuring 10 of the Kansas area’s best artists to highlight the diverse styles and mediums represented by the Topeka art community. The gallery will host a reception on January 6th, 2012 from 5-9pm. The Upstage Gallery is located at 720 SW Jackson in the Jayhawk Towers. This Eclectic Art Exhibit will be on display through the month of January. Gallery hours are Monday through Friday 9-5pm.
All participating artists have a strong presence in the Kansas area and range from emerging to established careers. They include: Robert Ash, Jan Jennings, Barb Quaney, Mary Anderson, Beth Cain, Angela Lexow, Pam Renovato, Joe Williams, Randy Fay, and Freestate Glass.
Most notable artists and information: Angela Lexow will exhibit her fine art gourds with styles ranging from Southwestern to Oriental. Fiber artist Barb Quaney showcases a style learned in New Zealand using indigenous techniques that are very rare here in the U.S. Master of Vivid Color Robert Ash, California photographer, offers his interpretations of the Kansas landscape. Digital Fine Artist Pam Renovato, displays works in the art world’s newest fine art medium as well as “Algorithmic Art” that is popular on both coasts. These styles are accompanied by the longtime experienced portrait art of Jan Jennings, recycled metal and wood sculptures by Randy Fay and Joe Williams, as well as jewelry by Mary Anderson and award winning jewelry artist Beth Cain.
As the Topeka art world continues to grow, The Upstage Gallery and Jayhawk Theatre pride themselves on being an established yet growing venue for talented artists. The gallery gathers multiple art mediums and styles with a spotlight held on providing attainable artwork for the everyday art lover from a list of “do not miss” artists. The Upstage Gallery realizes the importance of revitalizing Downtown Topeka and believes providing a showcase for diverse creative offerings and quality art that exist in Topeka is an excellent means to do so.
“Celebrate the Second Annual Holiday Artfest with The Upstage Gallery and Jayhawk Theatre”
More than 40 local artists and businesses join together in Topeka’s first European Tradition Christmas Market
As the Topeka art world continues to grow, The Upstage Gallery and Jayhawk Theatre bring the second annual Holiday Artfest to the December First Friday Artwalk to celebrate the holidays in the tradition of a European Christmas Market. The Holiday Artfest is one major event held to feature talent of artists in the form of music, dance, and visual arts in an effort to showcase the diverse creative offerings that exist in Topeka. On December 2nd, 2011 from 5-9pm, Holiday Artfest will take place in the Jayhawk Towers in the heart of Downtown Topeka and will be offering gifts of original art $1- $200.
Holiday Artfest is enjoying its second year of successfully gathering such a large group of local artists, entertainers, and businesses in one of Topeka’s biggest historical buildings. This year’s Artfest will be bigger and better than the first with a full line up of do not miss artists and entertainers with highlights on a 6pm portrait unveiling to the public of State Representative Ann Mah and State Senator Laura Kelly taken by International photographer Robert Ash. Representative Ann Mah and Ted Daughety will be in attendance.
Showing in The Upstage Gallery for the event and month of December include local, regional, and international artists: Robert Ash, Angela Lexow, Freestate Glass, Pam Renovato, Randy Fay, Jan Jennings, Joe Williams, and Mary Anderson. The Upstage Gallery in Collaboration with the Jayhawk Theatre, Jayhawk Corner Café, and Parrish management will transform the Jayhawk walkway and Florentine room into a Christmas market that will showcase additional talents as well as Topeka merchants to include: Solo Peru, Washburn University Student Group-UMCOR-UUMC, The Merchant, Irie Tribal Dance, Faith, Hope, Love Photography, Patricia Kovalchuk, Barb Quaney, Linden Wilson, Eileen Turnbull-Coughlin, Randy Fay, Dianne Gates, Beth Cain, Washburn University Student Group- PEAPP, Cindy Brewalt Crow, Kala Hisel, Nichole Woodward, Robert Ash, Edna Coyle, Katie Hanshaw, Celia Smith, Wild Things Studio, Topeka Designs, Morgan Fay, Nutcracker/ Ballet Midwest, Fine Jewelry by Oshara Hayes, and Cindy Slope/ Dunie Horse Splash. Entertainment to include: Musicians; Daniel Mangiaracino, Backroads, Jim Phelps, Livid, Brad Renner, Tara’s Grace and Dance Companies: Irie Tribal Dance Company with special guests Basharaat Dance Co., and Ballet Midwest/ Nutcracker.
Gathering multiple art forms with a spotlight held on visual arts and a goal of providing attainable artwork for the every day citizen, Holiday Artfest’s intent is to bring quality art and entertainment to all art lovers in a festive setting. “We realize how important the revitalization of Downtown Topeka is and wish to encourage buying locally for this holiday season to support our local artists and businesses.”
For more information, contact The Upstage Gallery at 785-233-4295
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“Internationally Recognized Photographer & Master of Vivid Color Robert Ash Tours Local Photographers through our State’s Capitol”
State Representative Ann Mah sponsors photography workshop offered by The Upstage Gallery and The Jayhawk Theatre
Photographer Robert Ash joins forces with The Upstage Gallery and The Jayhawk Theatre to bring innovative tips and techniques to local photographers in a workshop to take place in our State’s Capitol. This workshop is aimed to offer insights to photographers of every skill level from the Topeka area. They will be instructed with information about newest camera technologies as well as new insight to creative approaches to photography and presentation. This event is free to the public.
Robert Ash will share his expertise by providing an in-depth look at composition, lighting techniques, and artistic ways to view subject matter. Now that there is a trend in local photography moving towards digital media and into the fine art arena, it is a perfect time to use Robert’s expertise to help move local photographers in a positive direction. Robert’s extensive knowledge in new media along with The Upstage Gallery’s and Jayhawk Theatre’s role in downtown development will create an impressive workshop experience to help photographers capture the State’s Capitol in new and inventive ways.
“I can’t believe how much I learned. I have a lot of new information I can apply to the growth of my photography.” says Nichole Woodward, local Topeka photographer after attending Robert’s workshop in August. “My photography skills improved immediately after working with Robert”
Workshop and photography discussions will take place during this event while photographers will be given the opportunity to put their skills to practice as they are toured through the Capitol. With its impressive architecture, construction, and history the Capitol is one of the most photogenic attractions in this city. Robert will offer advice on how each participator can get the best image possible from their cameras, regardless of make or model. They will be encouraged to put these techniques into practice immediately while being offered direction to develop new techniques.
“We are excited to have Robert be such an integral part of the local Topeka art scene and the theatre project. He provides much knowledge to photographers in this area and helps enhance skills that can be applied to their own photography businesses,” says Pam Renovato, The Upstage Gallery Curator.
Participators will meet at The Upstage Gallery located at 720 SW Jackson at 9am Saturday September 3rd. The Group will walk to the capital to begin the workshop at 9:30am. Photographers will be given exclusive access to both the Senate Room and the House Room for 1 hour per area. The photo shoot will continue as a group through the rest of our State’s Capitol.
RSVP IS REQUIRED TO ATTEND by no later than Friday September 2nd by calling the gallery at 233-4295 or by emailing: upstage@jayhawktheatre.com .
About Robert Ash
Known for his extraordinary and exciting use of vibrant color, photographer Robert Ash is developing a reputation as being one of the most exciting and talented photographers in the industry, often blurring the line between photography and art in his work. Robert serves on the board of directors of Professional Photographers of the Greater Bay Area (San Francisco area), one of Professional Photographers of America’s largest chapters, was a beta tester for Adobe® Photoshop CS5® and is a senior forum member of National Association of Photoshop Professionals. A leader in adopting technology, Robert is also the first major customer in the United States for Bubble Tag™, a groundbreaking fine art authentication technology from ARTtrust Company headquartered in Paris, France.
“Robert Ash Launches New Photography Exhibition In Kansas With ARTtrust Authentication, Identification And Security Solution”
Robert is joined by local 3D artists Randy Fay, Angela Lexow, and Renee Johnson
Photographer Robert Ash’s newest exhibition will be held at the historic Jayhawk Theater’s Upstage Gallery located in Topeka, Kansas. The show, which starts August 5th and will run for two months, is Mr. Ash’s first major, solo exhibition and is an important show for the ARTtrust identification, authentication and security solution in the U.S.
The exhibit will showcase Mr. Ash’s high-end, hand-printed fine art landscape and travel images, all printed on archival-quality, 100% museum-quality cotton rag paper, framed with 8-ply conservation-grade mats and museum-standard reflection-free glass, using premier local suppliers to support the local economy. In addition,
Mr Ash will use ARTtrust Bubble Seals to protect the authenticity of his work. Robert Ash was the first major photographer to purchase ARTtrust Bubble Seal in the United States (see more at arttrustonline.com ). “Our company’s high-end photographic artworks deserve the very finest protection for the art collectors who invest in them,” explains Robert Ash. “Being formally trained in computer science, I love new technology that enhances value. ARTtrust Bubble Tag technology is by far the most innovative and effective authentication technology for artwork that I have ever seen. And provably authentic artwork is always more valuable to collectors.”
In 2010 Mr. Ash won a Merit Award and 1st Place in the Weddings category with his first entry in a print competition, and has gone on to win 11 professional awards in the past 16 months, including a number of merit awards and first place showings for his innovative landscapes, portraits and wedding images.
In February 2011, after only one year of membership, Mr. Ash was asked to join the board of directors of Professional Photographers of the Greater Bay Area, one of the largest chapters of Professional Photographers of America. He is also a senior forum member of National Association of Photoshop Professionals and has been nominated to co-chair the Design and Innovation Committee of the Stanford Club of San Francisco.
Mr. Ash’s trademark style is bold use of vivid color. After exhibiting at a key Stanford University event last year, his unique color handling was noticed by one of the leading art galleries in the Midwestern United States, the historic Jayhawk Theater’s Upstage Gallery, located in Topeka, Kansas. Voted by the state’s legislature to be the State Theater of Kansas, the Jayhawk Theater is the first theater ever designed without columns holding up the balcony. President Abraham Lincoln is documented to have attended a performance there.
“Robert’s use of color is phenomenal, and displays a mastery we’ve never seen before – and we’ve evaluated hundreds of photographers as potential exhibitors,” explains Pam Renovato, curator of the Upstage Gallery, “He is showing exceptional care for art collectors through innovations like using unbreakable – ARTtrust authentication technology for his work not only enhances the value of his art, but also enhances the already premier reputation of our gallery.”
Mr Ash’s show is the first time the Upstage Gallery has featured only one photographer and he will be paired with a well-known local metal sculptor. “We’re all very excited to host the Robert Ash photography exhibit,” says Kathy Duncan, president of the Jayhawk Theater board of directors. “A leading gallery must exhibit innovative artwork. Robert’s vision and eye are unique. Robert’s upcoming exhibit is causing a great deal of excitement among art collectors in our region. We are even making plans for a special opening of the State Capitol for Robert to lead a photography workshop there.”
The exhibition starts August 5 to open the gallery’s busy season and will run for two months. For more information please contact the Jayhawk Theater at 785-233-4295 or visit http://www.jayhawktheater.com.
Robert Ash’s website address/contact info: http://www.robertash.com/
ARTtrust identification, authentication, and security solution : http://www.arttrustonline.com
About ARTtrust – http://www.arttrustonline.com
ARTtrust, an international group headquartered in Paris, is specialized in protecting works of art. Established thanks to collaboration between HP and Prooftag, and further developed by Wilhelm Imaging Research, ARTtrust has been created to provide a solution which enables traceability and authentication of artworks. The ARTtrust self-certification system is used by artists, photographers, galleries and collectors in over 40 countries. http://www.arttrustonline.com
About Prooftag
Prooftag develops security solutions to guarantee product and document authenticity and traceability based on one of the most reliable authentication systems in the world: the Bubble Tag .
Prooftag has been deploying solutions since 2004 to protect brands (wines, spirits, watches, jewelry, cosmetics, electronic goods, etc.) and guarantee document authenticity (diplomas and customs, financial, voting, identity documents, etc.).
The high level of security conferred by the Bubble Tag has further strengthened Prooftag’s legitimacy worldwide. For instance, Prooftag has been approved by the Chinese authorities (China Anti-Counterfeiting Technology Association) for its anti-counterfeiting technology.
As a leading player in the fight against counterfeiting, Prooftag is an active member of several international organizations: NASPO, DSA, ACG, IAA, Eurosmart.
Robert Ash Launches New Photography Exhibition In Kansas With ARTtrust Authentication, Identification And Security Solution
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