Wednesday, November 17, 2010

Harry Farfan: Guest Artist at Gallery 121

Gallery 121 is excited to have Harry Farfan exhibiting his giant wooden birds as part of our Christmas show.  He was kind enough to take the time to participate in a short interview:

B.C.: How did you first become interested in your artform?
H.F.:  When you ask me when I got interested in my artform, I guess the only way to answer that is that I have quite a few artforms, or should we say materials, that I use to create my art.  I worked with most of the 2 dimensional arts, such as painting and drawing, for many decades.  I was fascinated by the ever present desire to make the drawings more three dimensional for my design and architectural work. Then I applied my architectural knowledge with my model making abilities and that spurred a whole different breed of art for me.  Architectural modelling is such an intensely interesting thing that combines technical knowledge, modelling know-how and purely artistic additions . Add a photo video into the mix and then things get really interesting.  As for my interests in wood: that started when I found a piece of driftwood on the beach near Sandbanks. I saw something in it, and used a chisel to hack out the shape of a deer’s head. Then I sanded it for days. I found myself dragging home all kinds of driftwood after that.  Realizing that it was very laborious and painful to use hammer and chisel, I started using a chainsaw, and was able to create enough art in a way that I find very rewarding . A few years ago I went through a stage that allowed me to make some huge chainsaw carvings, but problems that go along with a piece of sculpture that is impossible to move without help or machines started to become evident. This need for making a large artistic scenes,  realized more and more regularly by my sand sculptures, and more recently by my snow sculptures, has developed into regular municipal events and international competitions and exhibitions.

Thank you, Harry!


To read more of Harry's interview, visit the Gallery 121 website and click on the "Guest Artist" link.  Once at the site, you will find the work of all our gallery members, with information and images: 
http://gallery121artists.com/

To see more of Harry's work visit the Quinte Arts Council at:
http://www.quinteartscouncil.org/Qac/QAC/arts/farfan.htm

Tuesday, November 16, 2010

Opening Reception - Christmas Show 2010

The gallery is decked out for Christmas, and is welcoming lots of visitors who are looking for that special gift for that special someone on their list, or for themselves.  We will be opening the gallery in conjunction with The Belleville Festival of Trees Opening Cocktail Reception on Thursday, November 18, from 7 pm onward, at Dinkel's Restaurant and Courtyard, 38 Bridge St. East.  Our gallery opens onto the courtyard of Dinkels Restaurant, where a Christmas Wonderland has been designed for visitors. Just follow the path to the door leading into the gallery, and be further awed with Christmas delights.


Our Christmas tree, laden with artists' handmade decorations for sale.


Some of the gallery members gathered together to make their own Christmas Wish Lists.


Tuesday, November 9, 2010

"Winter Song" Art Exhibition at Gallery 121


Christmas Celebrations have begun at Gallery 121 with our new show " Winter Song" .  The gallery looks especially warm and festive for the holiday season.  This exhibition begins Tuesday, November 9, 2010 and continues until Saturday, January 8, 2011.  A special invitation to our Opening Artists' Reception on Saturday, November 13, 2010 is extended to all.  Come and meet the artists, and share some Christmas cheer! Perhaps you will find the perfect piece of artwork for that special gift on your Christmas list.  In addition to new works by gallery members, you will be able to choose from modestly priced artwork on our Victorian Wall.  Our Christmas tree ornaments will delight even Mr. Scrooge!  Come in and experience a joyous treat to lift your spirits.

Monday, November 8, 2010

David Alexander's November 2010 Exhibitions

All of us at Gallery 121 are excited to know that fellow member David Alexander is showing his artwork in two additional exhibitions this month.  We wish him much success with these ventures, and encourage everyone to visit the galleries to see his new work.  Here are the details:


The First Circle
 David Alexander, member of Gallery 121, is currently showing work in the Fall Expressions Exhibition at Gallery ArtPlus, situated on North Front Street in Belleville, Ontario. The exhibition runs from October 28th to November 27th, 2010.

Nano-Tech Cell Division
As an alumnus of the Ontario College of Art, David is also participating in the Where Are They Now Alumni Exhibition, which begins November 10th and continues to November 27th at the Art Square Gallery in Toronto, Ontario. 

Sunday, October 17, 2010

More Photos - Gallery 121 Reception, Oct. 2

Thanks to Mary-Lou Ashton for capturing the day at Gallery 121.  There are more photos on the Gallery 121 website under Events.


Gallery 121 buzzing with visitors at the opening reception.
 
Sherry Pringle's work on the left; Barry Argyle and Barbara Whelan exhibit on the right.





 

Art work by Barbara Whelan, Claire Canty, Barry Argyle, and Eve Lucy.


Gallery 121 members display a wide variety of genres and media.





Tuesday, October 5, 2010

Opening Reception - Oct. 2, 2010

Many thanks to Mary-Lou Ashton for the photos of the Gallery 121 reception on Oct. 2.  Featured artist is Maureen Swann, with guest artists Jennifer Chanter and Claudette Boulanger.  The theme for this show is "Flip, Flop and Fly" and it certainly lives up to the whimsical title.  This new show will hang until November 5, and we invite you to drop in and be amazed as you view this imaginative exhibition.  Gallery hours are Tues. to Sat., 11 am to 5 pm.








Tuesday, September 28, 2010

Maureen Swann: Featured Artist at Gallery 121

Gallery 121 member artist Maureen Swann will be featured at the gallery's new show "Flip, Flop & Fly", from September 28 to November 5. The Opening Reception is this Sat., Oct. 2 from 3 to 5 pm.  Joining Maureen are guest artists Claudette Boulanger and Jennifer Chanter.  Gallery members will be exhibiting new work.  This is a show not to be missed - full of colour, fun and whimsy!

Sunday, September 12, 2010

More ArtWalk News

Gallery 121 members Dona Knudsen and Sherry Pringle were out and about on Thurs. evening, and during the Art Walk, they displayed some of their work in the Century 21 location on Front Street. It was another successful venture, as more than 100 visitors stopped by to chat and view their artwork.

Friday, September 10, 2010

Art Walk at Gallery 121

Last night the gallery opened its doors for the annual Art Walk in Belleville, and welcomed many new and returning guests.  It was a perfect evening to stroll the downtown area, meet artists at various venues, share some treats, and of course, the biggest treat was viewing all the wonderful art.


Up, up and away with Tony Lassing's "Lowlands".
Visitors enjoyed getting 'up close and personal' with the artwork.


Perfect setting for a painting  by Barry Argyle.
Our current show will continue until Sept. 25, at 48 Bridge St. E, Belleville.  Hours are Tues. - Sat. 11 am to 5 pm.

Thursday, September 2, 2010

Leslie King Retrospective

The opening reception for the retrospective of Leslie King on Sat., Aug. 28 was a bittersweet remembrance of a much loved artist.  Family, friends, colleagues, and new visitors to the gallery joined together to remember and celebrate her life.  Leslie touched the lives of many people in many ways, and her artwork hanging on the gallery walls, vibrant and full of life and love, reflects her loving spirit.  We are all blessed to have known her, even for a fleeting moment.





Saturday, August 28, 2010

Busy Times at Gallery 121

Getting caught up with the photos of our July reception for Mary-Lou Ashton. Check out our website here to see more of Mary-Lou's expressive work, and read about this amazing scientist/artist.

Mary-Lou Ashton with "Spiralling", and one of her Clay Ladies.

Bill MacKintosh admiring Mary-Lou's work.


A guest drawn in to Mary-Lou's spirals.


Walter and Don sharing refreshments.

Wednesday, August 25, 2010

Upcoming Reception

Gallery 121 presents a Retrospective of the artwork of Leslie King (1941-2009), and recent work by guest artist Gertrude Sorensen, from Aug. 24 to Sept. 25 at the gallery, 48 Bridge Street East, Belleville(613 962 4609).  The opening reception will be this Sat., Aug. 28, from 3 to 5 pm.  You are invited to view new works by gallery members, chat with the artists, and enjoy refreshments.

Here are more photos of our last reception, featuring member artist Mary-Lou Ashton, with guest artists Bill MacKintosh and Kirie Samuel:

Barry Argyle, Winsome Lewis and guest artist Bill MacKintosh.


Maureen Swann demonstrating her balancing sculpture to David Alexander.

Another balancing sculpture by Maureen.

Bill MacKintosh discussing his work with visitors.

Tuesday, August 24, 2010

Our First Blog Entry

Now that we have a new website for the gallery , we need to link to a blog - so here we are folks!
I've added a few photos from our last opening reception for member artist Mary-Lou Ashton, and guest artists Bill MacKintosh and Kirie Samuel.



Gallery view with visitors talking with Bill MacKintosh.




Featured member artist Mary-Lou Ashton chatting with member artist Michael Amar.



Guest artist Bill MacKintosh sharing ideas with Bunny Bates and Barry Argyle.


Winsome Lewis greeting a young visitor.