Happy Holidays!

YES wishes you all the best. May 2009 be your most creative and satisfying year yet! Hope to see you all very soon!

GRATITUDE SALE

As a thank you to all you wonderful supporters out there, YES is giving you 10-25% off your next purchase from now until December 31st, including prints, pottery, jewelry, lamps, photographs, paintings, sculpture and more!

For more information or to find out store hours call (401) 245-7174 or email us at yesgalleryandstudio@gmail.com.

Bon Voyage 2008! Thanks for the good times!

This Thursday Night!

As the solstice and holidays approach we thought it appropriate to end the year with a blessing, a call to the creative powers that be, in honor of the makers of our culture. Hope to see you all there!!

Inside the Artist Studio: Q&A with 9 ITTY/BITTY Artists!

Nine tremendous ITTY/BITTY artists - Keith Maddy, Jenni Freidman, Laura McCabe, Jessica Gonacha, Yellena James, Alyn Carlson, Sarah Symes, Kathrine Lovell, and Susan Schwake - answered my interview questions, weighing in on everything from why art is important to the world to what they do in their spare time. The answers are inspiring! Because my efforts to create an expandable blog post were fruitless, I had to create a separate blog to link to this interview. You can read the artists' awesome answers by clicking here. For more info about our ITTY/BITTY Artists please contact us at (401) 245-7174 or by email at yesgalleryandstudio@gmail.com.

ITTY/BITTY Images online!

PHEW!! Who knew that receiving, inventorying, hanging, celebrating, photographing and uploading 172 pieces of art would be so exhilarating and so... exhausting! WOW. Next year I will be hiring a team of high strung elves to help me. Our reception last Friday night was a huge smashing success with over 100 people through this little space and more than 22 purchases. Thank you, thank you, thank you to the amazing artists and art-lovers who make YES Gallery + Studio a wonderful place to work! Above is my favorite moment of the night. My young friend Eli buying his first piece of art with his allowance money no less. What a smart guy!

Below is a list of our fabulous ITTY/BITTY artists. If you click on each of their names it will bring you to a Flickr image of their work. (Be sure to click forward or backward in the photostream to see all their images.) If you are interested in purchasing work, please call the gallery at (401) 245-7174 or email us at yesgalleryandstudio@gmail.com. Again, all work is 9"x9" or less and under $495. Enjoy!

Alyn Carlson - abstract mixed media paintings
Andy Suriano - mixed media paintings of harlequins
Bri Johnson - photo collages
Candis Dixon - ceramics and assemblage
Cindy Kelly - cloud paintings
Cecilia Mendez - paper collage
Cole Caswell- photo scans
Chris Crites - painted mugshots
Cynthia Guild - traffic paintings
Doug Desjardins - animal paintings
Christopher Flanagan- digital photos
Marsha Balian - assemblage
Jessica George - abstract paintings
Julianna Swaney- ink drawings of wolves, etc.
Jenni Freidman - graphite drawings of leaves & shadows
Jessica Gonacha - colorful mixed media paintings
John Foraste - photos of nature & buildings
Justin Richel - gouaches of pastries
Jyll Ethier-Mullen - colorful paintings of bird, bees & more
Karen Miller - assemblages with little metal chairs
Katie Burnett- abstract cyanotype photos
Keith Maddy - abstract mixed media paintings
Kevin Gora - drawings of craigslist ads
Kathrine Lovell - bird paintings & assemblage
Laura McCabe - ink drawings of trees & houses
Macy Chadwick- letterpress map prints
Margie Butler - paintings on seed packets, etc.
Mark Baker - macroscopic photos
Megyn Craine - defaced family photos
Nicole McConville - assemblage
Rachel Austin - paintings on maps
Sara Argue - illustrations of 'Cosmicomics'
Seamus Hames - mixed media paintings
Shannon Rankin - birds made of maps singing songs of thread
Sofia Barao - Collage paintings
Stephanie DosReis - mixed media paintings
Susan Schwake - "Hidden Life of Fruit" paintings
Sarah Symes - colorful textile "paintings"
Trey Speegle - inspired by paint-by-numbers
Yellena James - amoebic looking ink drawings

Coming soon... 1st Annual ITTY/BITTY Invitational!

Clear your calendar for the evening of Friday November 7th. You will not want to miss this. We've got 35 amazing artists from around the country participating in our first annual ITTY/BITTY Invitational. All the artists have made original work that is 9"x9" or less (in some cases far, far less. Like Justin Richel's ridiculously wee 1"x2" painting of a stack of cakes) and the pieces are all... drum roll please... LESS than $495. Super affordable and super beautiful. I dare say it's my favorite combo. Participating artists include some tried and true YES favorites such as Rachel Austin, Jenni Freidman, and Sarah Symes, as well as some esteemed guests like Trey Speegle, Yellena James, Susan Schwake, and Julianna Swaney. Soon I'll be posting a Flickr page with images of all the work, so if you can't get here you can at least take advantage of this unique opportunity. As usual, 5% of our proceeds go to non-profits and for this show we're pleased to support RI Citizens for the Arts. The show runs through December 21st. For more information call (401) 245-7174 or email us at yesgalleryandstudio@gmail.com.

Inside the Artist Studio: Q&A with TOM MCALEER

I had a chance to chat with my friend and fellow artist Tom McAleer (pronounced mac-uh-leer) recently about his artwork, which by the way is still featured in our current Pure/Play exhibition. In fact, Tom's doing a PAINTING DEMO AT THE GALLERY THIS SUNDAY 10/26 FROM 2-5 p.m. This guy is an inspiration to me - completely disciplined in his process, yet playful and carefree in his execution. There are hundreds and hundreds of paintings in his house. I dare say he's an addict. Let's see what he has to say...

YES: What is your first memory around making art?

Tom McAleer: I always made art, but no one ever called it art. Not until high school did anyone call it art. Art always just seemed to be there.

YES: Tell me about your process.

TM: Man, this can be hard to explain. It's like a meditation. I quickly get myself to this place with some help, with music - R&B dance music- and eyes closed. Opening my eyes I see my subject, hear my breathing, my heart beat, the wind, the stillness of it all. Then it becomes like a blast off. Everything flows in rhythm with the music, my breathing, my heart, all of it, the paint landing on the canvas becomes part of all of that. It all becomes a great high.

YES: What is it about oil paint and canvas that draws you in?

TM: It's fast. It's easy. I can do it wherever I am, take it with me. I love the smell of it. I think its makes me look so cool.

YES: How do you choose your subject matter?

TM: That's easy, when I look at something and say with surprise, "Oh my God, look at that." That happens a lot. If I can paint it then I will, if not I return later.

YES: Why is art important to the world?

TM: The power of art is amazing. It changes people, changes communities, helps us understand each other, bridges that gap.

YES: Are you a full-time artist?

TM: What is full-time? The amount of work or the amount of time? Is it what you do for a living? Many people work full-time, but that's not who they are. This painting thing is me full time. I look at everything in relationship to painting.

YES: What else do you do in your spare time?

TM: I love spending time with my family and friends. I need them badly to tell me how great I am. I love to sail and ski. I love being outdoors.

YES: What do you consider your greatest achievement as an artist?

TM: [Founding] The Top Drawer Art Center. It changed my life, my art. Working with artist with disabilities is amazing. There is so much to learn from them.

YES: Any personal philosophy or quotes to live by?

TM: Love this man - Martin Luther King. "Our lives begin to end the day we become silent about things that matter."

YES: Inspiring interview. Thanks Tom!

Warren Walkabout! October 19, 2008

Clear your calendar for Sunday October 19th because you're going to want to spend the whole day in Warren. The 5th Annual Warren Walkabout is going to be groovier than ever. You can stroll our quaint, historic town on the water while perusing artist open studios, sampling our restaurants at the "Taste of Warren", and listening to great live music at the Town Wharf, not to mention the sales and specials by area businesses, and a trolley ride around town to bring you wherever you want to go. The studios and shops are open 12-5, the "Taste of Warren" from 12-3, and music at the Wharf from 1-7 p.m. And it's all free! What better way to spend a New England fall day?? For directions to Warren click here or, for more information call us at (401) 245-7174.

Pure/Play opens this Friday!

Pure/Play opens this Friday October 3rd and features the work of two wild and crazy guys, Tom McAleer and Doug Desjardins. It will be a fun reunion as Tom, Doug and I all used to show together at Mixed Media Gallery on Block Island. The two of them are playful, prolific artists who have mastered the art of putting aside self-consciousness and letting pure expression flow through. Their colors, brushstroke and subject matter offer a real visual treat for the viewer, and inspire the artist in all of us. Hope to see you there! P.S. It's from 6:00-8:30 and, as always, will be a great party. For more info contact yesgalleryandstudio@gmail.com or by phone at (401) 245-7174.

New work by Jessica Gonacha!

"We're Right Under the Surface" mixed media 6"x8" $175.00 (Swimming upstream. Can't we all relate?)

This title melts my heart, "I'm Trying to Say it So You Can Hear" (or maybe that's the Global Warming in action?) 6"x8" $150.00

"Let Go of Your Tears" Mixed media 6"x8" $150.00 (Any yogi worth her weight in salt would want this painting in her house!)

"Camp Out" 9"x12" mixed media $265.00 (I'd like to BE this woman right now sleeping out under the stars. Not to mention the Japanese inspired fabric making up her tent.)

"Bath Time" Mixed Media 9"x12" $235.00 (I'm a sucker for a bird-faced kid.)

"Gratitude" Mixed Media 6"x6" $150.00 (Love the colors and such a sweet sentiment.)

...And, folks, there's more where these came from. If you want to see the rest email me at yesgalleryandstudio@gmail.com!

Tonight! The Fabulous Jenee Halstead!

If you don't believe me that a free concert by Jenee Halstead in a small intimate space is a special treat, just listen to what the critics have to say.... "It's Halstead's voice that makes The River Grace stand out. She treads in Alison Krauss/Patty Griffin territory with vocals that ache, whisper, and resonate,” says a review by Minor 7th. Or how 'bout this one from On Tap Review, "The River Grace may well be the first movements of a rising star.” And then there's this from Northeast Performer magazine, “Halstead has been compared to such greats as Emmylou Harris and Patty Griffin. Her sound carries the dusty spirit of old country folk but with a modern, young and fast-pasted twist." So be there tonight or be four equal sides of a geometric shape. 6:00 - 7:30 in the gallery backyard. Oh yeah, there's also beer, hot chocolate and cookies. Convinced yet? Make a reservation! (401) 245-7174.

Tomorrow! The Providence Open Market!!

Last minute blog post, but I know you're out there, my diligent cyber-friends. This is for those of you in the southern NE vicinity. Tomorrow (9/13) we'll be at the super groovy Providence Open Market along with oodles of awesome artists and crafters. We hope you can sneak over for a peek. Here's the skinny - it's 11:00 to 5:00 p.m., Rain or Shine, and it takes place in Lippitt Park (on the corner of Blackstone Blvd and Hope Street.) You can find out more details by clicking here. (By the way, if you walk up to me and say "I am a Monkey Lover." I will give you 10% off your entire purchase!)

Photos of Patterns/Textures Exhibit!

We had a blast Friday night at our Patterns/Textures opening reception. Lots of people (familiar and new), great homemade food, and some happy art buyers - of course. Sadly, no pictures were taken. But! You can see the beautiful show (sans people) right here on our Flickr page. Notice I changed it up a bit by painting a big, bold racing stripe down the prominent wall. I felt I needed to pop Maija and Sofia's little and luscious work. Successful? Dunno. You tell me...

Inside the Artist Studio: Q&A with SOFIA BARAO

Our latest blog series is a nod to James Lipton.... Inside the Artist Studio. Here we'll be interviewing some of our YES artists and finding out what makes them tick. Our inaugural interview kicks off with the lovely French artist Sofia Barao. Sofia is featured in our upcoming show, PATTERNS/TEXTURES, which opens this Friday (see earlier post.) I didn't have the pleasure of flying to France for our interview (sad), so instead we emailed. Here's what Sofia had to say about her artmaking process and inspirations...

YES Gallery: What is your first memory around making art?

Sofia Barao: I remember doing art at home with my sister and giving all my neighbors tons of drawings. I don't think they were as happy as I was about receiving them all the time.

YG: Why collage? Where do you find your papers and photos?

SB: I don't know why collage, only that when I saw the artwork of (Kurt) Schwitters I loved it and decided to try it and to know more about it. A few years later I took classes with a painter and learned some more techniques. I've always been very attracted to the past. I can't think about the future without thinking about the past. Because of this I've been collecting old books, documents, photos, lace and clothes to make something with them one day and that day finally happened. I work with this treasures I find at flea markets. I love flea markets.

YG: Biggest influence(s)?

SB: I'm a big big fan of Christian Boltanski, Rauschenberg and Schwitters. I guess my biggest inspiration is Time that passes. The Time we can't hold on to and the traces he leaves behind.

YG: Why is art important to the world?

SB: Art is food for the soul, and I guess this phrase tells it all.

YG: Are you a full-time artist?

SB: I work at a museum when I'm not doing art. I work there part-time (afternoons) and I love to be able to have a daily contact with people and art and at the same time to have my mornings to do my work.

YG: What else do you do in your spare time?

SB: In my spare time I love to write, poetry, mostly. I also love to just do simple things like shopping (especially in Paris), going out with my husband or just to stay at home with a good cup of tea, reading.

YG: Tell me about the town you live in, Ile-de-France.

SB: It's a beautiful small town, outside Paris, between a forest and a river. Trees, flowers everywhere and a very old church from 1500. I love to live here as if I take the car or the train in 45 minutes I'll be looking at the Eiffel Tower in the middle of a big city like Paris.

YG: Have you been to America?

SB: No, but it's a dream of mine since I was 12, especially New England but I'll have to deal with my fear of flying for more than 2 hours first :)

Patterns/Textures Exhibition

It's hard to contain my excitement about our upcoming Patterns/Textures show featuring Maija Fiebig and Sofia Barao. I found Maija through her best friend and my acquaintance, Jenee Halstead, an amazing Boston-based folk musician. Maija did the artwork for Jenee's new CD "A River Grace." Maija's quite successful in her hometown of Seattle where she shows regularly with G. Gibson Gallery. You can watch a wonderful little video about Maija here. Her work, with its vibrant patterns, is a perfect compliment to Sofia's romantic collage paintings. Sofia lives in a little town outside of Paris, France. She utilizes old photos, letters, music sheets, and other found papers for her textured paintings which she says are an attempt to "keep a trace; of time and of people, to work with the memories, to reinvent a story, to rebuild a past, maybe my own." Join us for the opening reception this Friday Sept 5th from 6-8:30 p.m. Also, hear a free concert by Jenee in the gallery backyard Friday Sept 19th 6-8 p.m. Reservations required. For more info call (401) 245-7174 or email us at yesgalleryandstudio@gmail.com.

Block Island "Trunk" Show pics

Though there was no actual trunk, other than the ones on the trees, the Block Island show was a hit. The work was hung on a rusty garden fence next to an aging barn within sight of the sun-dappled ocean. There was even a sheep and some chickens wandering about. Rustic, casual, friendly. That's what we call "Island Style." Thanks to my friends Amy and Rick who provided the perfect locale, to Jill at Every Day's a Picnic catering for the beautiful food, and to all the island peeps who came and bought work by our amazing YES Artists. For more pictures of the show click here!

Social Networkers, Here We Come!

We're pleased to announce that YES Gallery + Studio is officially entrenched in the cyber networking world. We now have both a MySpace page AND a Facebook page! So please click on the links and become our friend!

Doug Desjardins

Wildly carefree. Incredibly inventive. Ridiculously resourceful. That's how I'd describe Doug Desjardins' artwork - and his spirit. Utilizing found objects as basic as a scrap of wood and as strange as a found canvas smeared with joint compound, Doug creates worlds where shaman sit in trees, llamas reside in love hotels, and mermaids are joined at the hip...literally. Though Doug's style is often compared to the raw, pure vision of outsider and folk art, he is indeed trained, receiving his Bachelor of Fine Arts from Plymouth State College in the 1990's. Since then Doug has shown at many galleries around the region. He's also worked with what he calls the "greatest artists on earth" (a.k.a. children) to create murals from New York City to Vancouver. When asked to talk about his work Doug simply offered this pearl of wisdom, "The greatest mystery is how to keep the mystery of life alive in your heart." 'Nuff said. For more information about Doug's artwork please contact YES Gallery + Studio at (401) 245-7174 or email us at yesgalleryandstudio@gmail.com.

Megyn Craine - postcard art!

I am blessed to have wonderfully creative people in my life. My ol' college pal, Megyn Craine is one of the most carefree and lively artists I know. We first met freshman year in an art theory class after she stood up and loudly dismantled a chair with a hammer in the middle of class, shocking everyone. Unbeknownst to us, the professor had slipped her a note and asked her to do it. We were in the middle of a lesson about conceptual/performance art. What better way to "hammer" it home? Megyn's always had a love of the post office and correspondence. After she transferred to San Francisco Art Institute in junior year she sent all of us various and sundry items. A large rock (with no wrapping) was mailed to one of our dearest professors, Chris Horton. It took six months and a lot of stamps, but it eventually got there. These days Megyn's art consists mostly of baked goods, as she owns a delicious bakery in Jersey (with another stellar college artist-friend.) Nonetheless, Megyn was thrilled when I asked her to be YES Gallery's resident postcard artist. Pictured above is my own personalized postcard art a la Megyn that I received when the gallery opened. But you too can have your very own custom postcard! For just $35, you get to pull a card from this "fancy" tin, answer the questions on it, and within three weeks - voila! - personalized postcards arrive at your door! OR, how 'bout sending one to a friend for a special occasion? Postal Possibilites abound! For more info about Megyn Craine contact YES Gallery + Studio at (401) 245-7174 or email us at yesgalleryandstudio@gmail.com.

What are you doing Thursday night?

Come on now. Don't you have to come see this guy perform? I mean, look at how much fun he's having. And it's infectious. So come to the gallery Thursday July 24th from 6 - 8 p.m. to see Steve "Lightnin" Lighty play some sea shanties and original tunes. There's even complimentary beer and lemonade. Not to mention the event is free, though reservations are required. For more info call us (401) 245-7174.

Lovesick/Seasick Photos

I just updated our Flickr page with some images of the latest exhibition. Some of them are dark, unfortunately. Trust me when I say the artwork is GORGEOUS and photos don't do them justice. You've simply got to come in and see them! The show runs through August 3rd so come on down. Actually, it's slowly getting picked apart as things sell so come sooner rather than later!

GALLERY PRACTICES: Being a Good Doobie

As I new business I haven't had much extra time, money or energy to spare, but I've tried to put a few things in place that align to my moral and spiritual compass. First, all exhibitions at YES have a charitable tie-in. We give 5% of our sales proceeds to non-profits. In just a few short months we've been able to contribute money to the Audubon Society of RI Educational Center, The Manton Avenue Project, and now Save the Bay. I heard Suze Orman say that if the first check you write every month is a donation you'll feel abundant. So far so good. The other thing we try to do as much as possible is to use recycled and re-used packaging when shipping or transporting work. We keep our lights off if no one's in the gallery and we use non-toxic cleaning products. The other cool thing I just discovered is the World Community Grid. When the gallery computer is idle it becomes part of the largest public computing grid to benefit humanity. I can't explain further, since I'm technologically illiterate but you can read about it here. If you are a business, or have any suggestions for "being a good doobie" please let us know!

July Events!

Here's what up this month....



OPENING RECEPTION:
Friday July 11th from 6-8:30 is the opening reception for Lovesick/Seasick. Nibbles, wine and some surly sea-faring types. 5% of proceeds to Save the Bay.

MUSIC UNDER THE PERGOLA:
Thursday July 24 from 6-8:00 p.m. is live music by Block Island fugitive Steve "LightNin" Lighty, one of Rhode Island's best kept musical secrets. Come toast Steve with a cold beer and sing along to some sea shanties. (Space is limited and reservations are required.)

For more information call the gallery at (401) 245-7174.

Lovesick/Seasick Exhibit - SNEAK PEEK!

The Lovesick/Seasick show is around the corner and I'm excited. Growing up on the ocean and having very questionable sea legs, I know first hand the feeling of being seasick. As any human being does, I also know lovesick. When planning this show it occurred to me there was a large overlap in the Venn diagram between these two feelings. As usual, the artists have perfectly captured the uncapturable, and there's something for everyone There's Doug Desjardin's paintings of lovesick owls, banditos, and pirates painted in his signature raw style on found objects. There's Robert Malinowski's drawings of lovesick business men and women. David Gonville's ocean encaustics are informed by his love of surfing and intimate relationship with the sea. Jessica George's thickly layered paintings of the rocky coastline look simply edible. Andy Suriano's work has a story to tell with surly fishermen, bored mermaids and sailors that do crosswords. There's also gorgeous new Cynthia Guild work and much more. For more information contact YES Gallery + Studio at yesgalleryandstudio@gmail.com or call (401) 245-7174.

One Day Art Sale! This Saturday!

Here's the email blast that went out yesterday about Saturday's one day art sale. It's going to be exciting. There's a lot of wonderful work in stock and now's the time to get it. What you see on the blog is just a small representation of the fabulous artwork that's here. So come and get it! Oh, and if you're wondering why you didn't get the email blast, you probably aren't on our email list. You can sign up over there on the right hand column.

GUEST ARTISTS - Jill Bliss, Amy Rice, Sarah HaBa

I was thrilled to get in the work of artists Amy Rice, Sarah HaBa, and Jill Bliss for our current exhibition. These talented ladies are doing quite well for themselves in the art/design blogosphere. To have their work makes a humble gallery owner quite happy. I love "Olivia and Olivia's Mom" by Amy. Pink perfection! And I would love to watch Jill in action as she inks the miniscule details of her tree houses. Sarah's namesake piece "Sarah," is so gorgeous with it's painterly brushstrokes and thoughtful subject matter. For more information about these artists please contact YES Gallery + Studio at yesgalleryandstudio@gmail.com or call (401) 245-7174.

Chris Crites

I wonder if Chris Crites got a paper bag lunch for school every day? After all, it's his favorite surface to paint on. His mugshot and criminal records are exquisitely detailed and rendered in eyepopping colors. Of the original photos that inspire Chris's work he says these are "portraits of people who had just been caught. Despair, frustration, anger – so many expressions could be read on the faces. Each one of these images has a story." I could ponder them all day, and, apparently, other folks can too. Chris won an award at PONCHO (based in Seattle) this year, has had two solo shows, and was in a group show at the Robert Berman Gallery in L.A. Somehow he still found the time to do some curating of his own as well as some graphic design work. Currently, Chris lives in Seattle with his wife and cats. For more information about Chris Crites' work please contact YES Gallery + Studio at yesgalleryandstudio@gmail.com or call (401) 245-7174.

More Gallery Photos!

I just finished updating our Flickr page with new photos of the gallery. On the right hand side there...no lower...yeah, right there... are links to the latest YES Gallery + Studio happenings. You can see images of the current Nature/Nurture Exhibition, which has received rave reviews (okay, maybe not "reviews," but certainly rave commentaries). There's also photos of our first "Music Under the Pergola" concert with the lovely Hannah Devine. Finally, I threw in a couple more photos of Warren. Enjoy!

Music Under the Pergola - Hannah Devine

I never thought I'd be the type of person to use the word 'pergola,' but here I am doing it. (It's good to rebel against your sensibilities from time to time.) Anyway, I have one - a pergola. In the gallery backyard. And it's gorgeous. So tomorrow we'll inaugurate the pergola with a concert by the fabulous Hannah Devine who, at just 17 years of age, is a true talent. I first saw her at Ward's Publick House in Warwick playing fiddle with her dad in a traditional Irish Session. On a break Hannah picked up her guitar and belted out an original song that made the conversation in the room stop. Since then Hannah has taken home top prize in the Rhode Island Idol competition, and Best Female Vocalist (Americana) in the Motif Music Awards. Tomorrow is Hannah's last show before leaving for Ireland for a year so don't miss out. The show is free, but reservations are required. Click here to hear some "Devine" music. For reservations call (401) 245-7174.

Jenni Freidman

Jenni Freidman and I went to college together at Hartford Art School in the early 90's. Because life often makes a circle, Jenni's back there again, this time as a professor of printmaking and drawing. In the years between the rowdy days of art school and, well, the less rowdy days, Jenni's managed to start a family and get a masters degree. Her drawings and prints are so beautifully rendered. The internet just does not do this work justice. It's incredible subtle and thoughtful, and there are so many lovely variations of color and textures within each piece. Jenni has shown her work in print and book exhibitions around the U.S. and abroad. She's also collaborated with her favorite musician, Dar Williams, to illustrate limited edition books of Dar's lyrics. For more information about Jenni Freidman's work contact YES Gallery + Studio at (401) 245-7174 or yesgalleryandstudio@gmail.com.

NATURE/NURTURE EXHIBITION

Great things are afoot at YES with another gorgeous exhibition, running June 6 - 27 with a reception tonight from 5:30 to 8:00 pm. Featuring YES Artists exploring the theme Nature/Nurture and its many interpretations. I love Cynthia Consentino's ceramic sculptures which are dark, humorous and just ridiculously well-crafted. Kathrine Lovell's magnolias are straight up masterful. Then there's Jessica Gonacha's "Feed the Birds" piece which I find just plain intriguing and lovely. Rachel Austin's map pieces are popular as always. (Got one for myself this time around.) We've also got some awesome guest artists including the coveted Amy Rice who sent along "Olivia and Olivia's Mom," Jill Bliss's groovy ink drawings of houses, and Holly Murray's bee-inspired gold and oil paintings (like the one below of the queens bee's reproductive organs.) Finally, as with all YES exhibits, 5% of the proceeds go to a non-profit. This time we're helping out the awesome Manton Avenue Project, which is a local version of the 52nd Street Theater. For more information about "Nature/Nurture" please call (401) 245-7174 or visit www.yesgalleryandstudio.com.