GALLERYESTUDIO

GALLERY CLOSED

2010-01-26T14:35:00.002-05:00

YES Gallery + Studio closed its doors for good at the end of December. Many thanks to all the artists who blessed us with their work and to the community members and art buyers who supported us. We're proud to have been part of Rhode Island's fabulous art scene and to have been able to donate 5% of our proceeds to numerous local non-profit organizations. Keep supporting the arts!

Our Last Hurrah - Recent Work by Jim Bush

2009-11-29T22:01:00.006-05:00

Yes, it's true. YES Gallery + Studio is closing it's doors at the end of the month. Our last exhibition, Recent Works by Jim Bush, opens this Friday December 4th from 6:30 - 8:30 p.m. with the usual fanfare - wine, candied nuts, yummy nibbles and, of course, copious amounts of cheese - and runs through Sunday December 20th. Jim Bush is a renowned illustrator and political cartoonist. He's won awards for his fine art work and his cartoons have been featured regularly in The Providence Journal Bulletin since 1994, and other publications around the country. Bush works in acrylic, watercolor and ink with a style marked by a vibrant and exaggerated color palette and strong line quality. His subject matter ranges from off-kilter cityscapes to whimsical caricatures of animals. A tandem exhibition of Bush’s watercolors is on view over at our friends' place, Muse Jewelry Boutique for the month of December. In addition to Jim's work there will also be gift-sized works by other local artists. We hope to see you there! For more information email us at yesgalleryandstudio@gmail.com or call (401) 245-7174.

THIS SUNDAY! Warren Walkabout + BIG Sale!

2009-10-22T10:56:00.003-04:00

Our town of Warren is truly delightful. It's a tax-free arts district, so we are chock full of artists and crafters. It's got beautiful historic architecture, is situated right on the water, and has a great bike path that runs through town. There's groovy small businesses and a quaint Main Street. This Sunday October 25th is the 'Warren Walkabout' which showcases all the great things our town has to offer. It's from 11-5 p.m. and includes town-wide Open Studios (and galleries, ahem), free trolley rides, a 'Taste of Warren' and more. On top of that, we're having a big, big sale here at the gallery so there's no better time to get thee to Warren!!

CINDY KELLY, NEW WORKS

2009-10-02T14:41:00.003-04:00

It's hard to imagine you need another excuse to get out to Block Island (a most gorgeous and quaint New England island which often draws comparisons to Ireland), but if you do then we hope you'll make it out in the next two weeks for YES Gallery's latest island exhibition by local favorite, Cindy Kelly.

The show opens tomorrow night (on Chapel Street, next to Eli's) with a reception from 4:30 - 7:00 p.m., and you won't be disappointed by Kelly's thought-provoking and beautifully rendered paintings. Each references figures from old family photographs set against carnivalesque or seaside backdrops. Each haunting vignette seems ripe with a mysterious story, or stories. Trust us - these are the types of pieces that leave an impression; pieces in which you will always discover something new the more you ponder.

Folks who wish to see more, but can't make it to the island, can email for images (or wait patiently for our Flickr page to be updated.) You can reach us by phone at (401) 245-7174 or email at yesgalleryandstudio@gmail.com.

New Photos up!

2009-09-20T16:04:00.004-04:00

We've added a couple new sets to our Flickr page including the current 'Circle of Latitude' show, pics of our opening reception, and some images of the wee Block Island location. Enjoy! (Above image: "Jen" by Travis Huggett)

'Circle of Latitude' Exhibit: Sept 11 - Oct 11

2009-09-03T16:59:00.005-04:00

Six awesome photographers - Travis Huggett (NYC), Olivia Wright (NYC), Elle Moss (MI), John Hames (RI), Emily Lindquist (CA) and Kimberly Andrade (RI) - will be featured in our upcoming exhibit, Circle of Latitude, which explores humans and their relation to space and place. Join us on Friday September 11 from 7-8:30 for the opening reception of the show. Nibbles & wine abound, as per usual. Works by other fabulous gallery artists also on display. For more information contact the gallery at yesgalleryandstudio@gmail.com or (401) 245-7174.

Meet Jessica Gonacha tonight! Reception 6-8:30

2009-06-19T12:58:00.008-04:00

CONNECT/INTERSECT opens tonight and spotlights the new body of work by one of our faves, Jessica Gonacha. The artist herself will be present, all the way from Atlanta, Georgia! We're thrilled to host her in our first "solo" show (solo is in quotes, because she's more of a featured artist. We've actually got some other awesome art to brag about, including embroidered pieces by Joetta Maue, wire drawings by C.W. Roelle, and some quirky characters by Doubleparlour. See below!) Jess's new body of work explores the ways in which we interact with each other, our environment and ourselves. Her mixed media paintings are always a visual treat with elements of woodblock printing and pattern-making. Anyhoo, we hope you'll brave the rain tonight and join us for the festivities, 6:00 - 8:30 p.m! For more information, call us at (401) 245-7174 or email yesgalleryandstudio@gmail.com. "Chereiko," polymer clay & paint, by Doubleparlour
"Scene from the Great Apothecary Stick-up of 1948" wire, by C.W. Roelle
"On the Couch" Embroidery on found linen, by Joetta Maue

Friday Night vs. Sunday Morning....

2009-05-16T14:22:00.003-04:00

Friday night opening receptions are always festive affairs, but we thought it'd be fun to try something different. On May 31st we'll open our next group show with a Sunday brunch reception from 10:30 - 12:30. As usual there will be great art with some familiar and brand new gallery artists. (More on those lovely creators to come.) We'll be replacing wine & cheese with mimosas & mini quiches. Oh, and showing off our gorgeous gallery backyard (above.) Of course, there will be grapes. There's always grapes. If you're lucky someone might even feed you one. And then you'll feel like a sybarite. (Note: great vocab word to impress friends.) Anyhoo, we urge you kindly to save the date! See you next Sunday!

This Could Be You Tonight!

2009-04-10T08:54:00.003-04:00

Imagine this... your eyes gazing upon colors and lines and forms, combinations of which you've never seen together; your ears soothed by the strum of the ukelele; your tongue saturated with the taste of fresh roquefort cheese washed down with cheap wine; your wallet comforted by that 10% discount you just got on a great piece of art. Sounds delightful, no? Here's a secret, all this and more can be yours! Here's how: 1) Get in the car, 2) Drive to YES Gallery + Studio, 3) Celebrate our One Year Anniversary Exhibition tonight, from 7-9 p.m. Your senses will thank you. If you need more info call us at (401) 245-7174 or email yesgalleryandstudio@gmail.com.

Celebrating One Year of YES!

2009-04-03T14:56:00.011-04:00

We can hardly believe it's been one year since YES Gallery + Studio opened its doors in historic downtown Warren. We've sold a lot of beautiful art, made a lot of new friends, and donated 5% of our profits to ten local non-profits. Truth is, we couldn't do it - wouldn't do it! - if it weren't for the likes of you. We really want to celebrate you and thank you for such a great year. Please join us Friday April 10th from 7:00 - 9:00 p.m. to enjoy new work by our talented YES artists and guest exhibitors. Eat some yummy nibbles, drink wine, and be soothed by the vintage Hawaiian and tropical standards played live by Ricky Russo & The Mai Tai Serenaders. For more info about the event or artwork call us at (401) 245-7174, or email yesgalleryandstudio@gmail.com.

"The Diamond Tree" by Jessica Gonacha

"Vultures Planter" by Steve Godfrey

"The Corner" by David Gonville

Untitled Chair by Karen Miller

Geometric bracelet by Alison Raposa

"Saxonia" by C.W.Roelle

"Moonlight Serenade" by Doug Desjardins

VOTE FOR YES Gallery + Studio!!

2009-04-03T14:47:00.003-04:00

Your superb voting skills got us noticed by the Providence Phoenix (more on that to come) and now we're hoping you'll help us out again by writing us in as 'Best Gallery' in the Rhode Island Monthly's 'Best of Rhode Island' Poll. Click here to hook a gallery up! While your at it, consider voting for some other Warren favorites like Modern Printed Matter, DISH, or Muse Jewelry Boutique.

Gourmet Nibbles at YES

2009-03-23T09:54:00.002-04:00

We love us some delicious, creative food so we're thrilled to host Chef Joe Simone this week. Chef Simone's new restaurant The Sunnyside is opening down the street from YES next month. Join us this Thursday 3/26 from 6:00 - 8:00 p.m. to sample some treats and view the beautiful "Some of Its Parts" exhibit with Dolan Geiman and Shelley Kommers. For more information give us a ring at (401) 245-7174 or email yesgalleryandstudio@gmail.com.

New Images online!

2009-03-05T17:58:00.005-05:00

The gallery is full of color and life these days. And there's a hyacinth blooming in the window which is giving off a lovely perfume. I wish you all could come experience it for yourselves. It's an inspiring place to work, I'll tell you. For those who can't make it to lil ole Rhode Island, check out the latest photos here. As usual, they just don't do justice to the work. For more info about anything you see contact YES Gallery + Studio at yesgalleryandstudio@gmail.com or call (401) 245-7174.

Reminder: Tonight - Art, Food, Love!

2009-02-27T14:16:00.003-05:00

Don't forget to join us tonight 6-8:30 p.m. for the opening reception of "SOME OF ITS PARTS" starring the works of Dolan Geiman and Shelley Kommers! For more information call us at (401) 245-7174 or email yesgalleryandstudio@gmail.com

Sneak Peek! Dolan Geiman & Shelley Kommers!

2009-02-19T16:07:00.008-05:00

We're so excited to be receiving a bunch of Dolan Geiman's pieces this week. If you don't know his folk-pop work, you will be in for a treat. Dolan's work is "green" in the truest sense as he utilizes salvaged wood for many of his constructions. He also creates beautiful collage paintings with eco-friendly materials. Hailing from the South (though currently residing in Chicago) Dolan's work evokes that weathered rural aesthetic familiar to folk art. At the same time uses screenprinting and text the way any street artist worth his weight in salt would. The results have made Dolan a favorite in the Art & Design blog world, spotlighted by the likes of Design*Sponge, Decor8 and Indie Fixx. Our upcoming exhibition pairs Dolan's work with another emerging artist, L.A. based Shelley Kommers, whose intimate collages are drool-worthy. She too chooses found and recycled materials as the core of her work. Old letters, photos, travel guides, newspapers and more are cut and re- constructed, painted and drawn over. The resulting works are a cohesive blend of color, pattern, composition and concept. Join us on Friday February 27th from 6-8:30 p.m. as we celebrate the works of these two fabulous artists! Click on any of the above images for a closer look. For more information call YES Gallery + Studio at (401) 245-7174 or email yesgalleryandstudio@gmail.com.

How to Tell Someone You "Heart" Them...

2009-02-06T14:43:00.003-05:00

Show 'em some love with a digital heart print by Shannon Rankin! Three sizes at three awesome prices - $12, $22, and $32! This and other great gift ideas if you click here! Order by noon on Monday 2/9 to receive by Valentine's Day. To purhase a print or anything else that catches your eye call YES Gallery + Studio at (401) 245-7174.

Lookie Lookie!

2009-01-22T14:08:00.003-05:00

In the business of visual arts we like to stimulate your eyes, so...

Photos of the GORGEOUS Happiness/Harmony Exhibition here, and the opening reception for it here. (Please forgive the quality. Halogen lights and digital camera do not mix well apparently.)

If you see anything you like and want more info, feel free to call us at (401) 245-7174 or send some words to yesgalleryandstudio@gmail.com.

How 'Bout some Japanese Short Films this Friday Night?

2009-01-22T13:05:00.003-05:00

If you got the show postcard, this will jog your memory about tomorrow night's event. If you didn't get the show postcard we gotta get you on the mailing list! (You can enter your email to the right for e-postcards, or email us with your address if you prefer hard copy.) As you know 5% of our exhibition proceeds go to non-profits. This time around we're supporting Flicker Arts Collaborative who are responsible for bringing us the very prestigious and cool Rhode Island International Film Festival. Tomorrow night the gallery is hosting a "You Be The Judge Film Night" where participants will screen some Japanese short film entries into the '09 Festival and help decide if they'll make the cut. (Oh, the power you'll wield!) The event is from 7-8:30 p.m., is free and will probably include some kind of sugary snack. Here's the catch - we have limited seating, so reservations are required. As of this blog post we've got about 5 seats left. Soooo R.S.V.P. A.S.A.P!! Call us at (401) 245-7174 or email at yesgalleryandstudio@gmail.com.

Happiness/Harmony opens this Friday!

2009-01-12T13:08:00.011-05:00

I debated whether or not Happiness/Harmony was too trite for a show title, but I just couldn't stop thinking about Kana Ito's artist statement which mentions the word happiness no less than four times in its opening paragraph. In it she says, "The most important thing is happiness. Happiness is all around us, but some can see it and some cannot," and this reminded me that the simplest things are often the most profound. I love Kana's work. It DOES make me happy. I'm thrilled to have it in the gallery and honored that we're the only gallery in the states to carry her. Along with Kana's paintings, we'll be showing the work of some amazing artists including Beth Ozarow, Megan Hinton, Kathrine Lovell, Doug Desjardins, Leah Giberson, Deborah Baronas, Rick Reese, Meighan Morrison, Cynthia Guild, Bryan Nash Gill, Rachel Austin, Chantelle Goldthwaite and more. Hope to see you Friday night Jan 16th for the opening reception from 6:00 to 8:30. For more info call us at (401) 245-7174 or by email at yesgalleryandstudio@gmail.com.

"Meadowlands" by Kathrine Lovell

"From Above" by Beth Ozarow

"Maybe" by Rick Reese

On Vacation until January 14th!

2009-01-04T15:08:00.002-05:00

The gallery is closed this week for some deep cleaning, repainting, etc etc. We will reopen on Wednesday January 14th. Mark your calendars for Happiness/Harmony, opening with a reception on Friday 1/16 from 6-8:30 p.m. See you then!

Happy Holidays!

2008-12-24T15:25:00.002-05:00

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

2008-12-19T13:01:00.008-05:00

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!

2008-12-06T09:16:00.003-05:00

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!

2008-11-30T14:20:00.005-05:00

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!

2008-11-15T15:32:00.010-05:00

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!

2008-10-31T07:03:00.008-04:00

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

2008-10-22T17:04:00.009-04:00

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

2008-10-05T12:22:00.009-04:00

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!

2008-10-01T15:45:00.005-04:00

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!

2008-09-27T17:22:00.004-04:00

"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!

2008-09-19T11:24:00.007-04:00

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!!

2008-09-12T19:07:00.003-04:00

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!

2008-09-07T17:25:00.006-04:00

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

2008-09-03T17:24:00.005-04:00

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

2008-08-30T14:04:00.008-04:00

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

2008-08-30T12:08:00.008-04:00

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!

2008-08-10T22:12:00.002-04:00

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

2008-08-10T21:32:00.008-04:00

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!

2008-07-26T19:10:00.006-04:00

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?

2008-07-22T12:59:00.004-04:00

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

2008-07-18T18:55:00.002-04:00

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

2008-07-16T16:45:00.003-04:00

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!

2008-07-07T09:11:00.003-04:00

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!

2008-07-07T08:53:00.008-04:00

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!

2008-06-26T16:40:00.002-04:00

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

2008-06-25T17:03:00.007-04:00

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

2008-06-18T15:27:00.004-04:00

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!

2008-06-18T15:11:00.004-04:00

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

2008-06-13T14:13:00.004-04:00

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

2008-06-12T17:32:00.007-04:00

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

2008-06-06T14:43:00.011-04:00

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.

Macy Chadwick

2008-05-25T15:27:00.010-04:00

Macy Chadwick and I go way back to middle school. I'm happy (and quite envious) to report she has always had not only a keen eye for art and design, but the ability to execute her ideas with ease and grace. Since the good old days of Archie R. Cole Macy's made quite a name for herself in the book arts world. (In fact I had to tell her after a recent Google search that she just might be famous.) So besides the fact that we're old pals, I'm honored to exhibit work by such an esteemed artist. Macy collaborated with artist Lisa Onstad on this gorgeous letterpress book "Aggregate Memory," and also several framed prints based on the book itself. Of the book Macy says "Lisa’s experience in painting contributed greatly to the colors in the book. This limited edition artists’ book contains images and text inspired by the complexity of memory. When returning to a favorite place, the past and present converge to form a cluster of memories." For more information about Macy Chadwick's work please contact YES Gallery + Studio at (401) 245-7174 or yesgalleryandstudio@gmail.com.

Birds, Bunnies, and an Owl

2008-05-20T22:22:00.008-04:00

Feeling thrilled about our current "Birdbrained/Harebrained" exhibition. Despite a rainy night, we still had over 60 people at the opening, many of them responsible for a myriad of red dots on the gallery walls. The best part is the Audubon Society of Rhode Island's Environmental Education Center will receive 10% of the proceeds (which we hope will help rebuild 200 feet of their wildlife refuge boardwalk in Bristol that burned last month in a wildfire.) Tied in with the exhibition was a visit last Saturday from Anne Dimonti, an Audubon naturalist, who brought an amazingly beautiful barred owl to the gallery backyard. We auctioned off Cole Gerst's fabulous "Owl"screen print and raised more money for the cause. Overall, it was a win for everyone. See photos here of the exhibition and owl event.

Warren, Rhode Island

2008-05-16T14:33:00.005-04:00

Spring has finally sprung in New England. The good weather has allowed YES Gallery + Studio to receive a proper paint job. She's looking pretty gorgeous, isn't she? I took a walk around the Historic District the other day and captured some images for those of you who are far flung. Click on the "Photos of Warren" link to the right to see why the locals are happy and my allergies are raging out of control.

Cole Gerst

2008-05-13T17:35:00.005-04:00

I totally dig Cole Gerst's silkscreened prints. I love to ponder his juxtaposition of wild animals and power strips. On top of being a thoughtful artist, Cole's a really cool guy. He was born in Georgia and grew up in and around the folk art scene. The raw expression of the artists' work influenced his style and helped inform his job as Art Director for the House of Blues (which, if you don't know, has an AMAZING outsider art collection.) In addition to making original art, Cole designs for his company, option-g. He has created album covers for many of my favorite bands, has a short animated film on the Sundance Channel, and recently designed some sneakers for Vans. (Does the guy sleep??) Cole's screenprint "Owl" will be auctioned off this weekend as part of our "Birdbrained/Harebrained" exhibition. 100% of the proceeds will go to the Audubon Society of Rhode Island. For more information about "Owl" or Cole Gerst's work please contact YES Gallery + Studio at yesgalleryandstudio@gmail.com or (401) 245-7174.

UPCOMING SHOW! - "Birdbrained/Harebrained"

2008-04-30T17:14:00.004-04:00

The next fabulous YES exhibition is around the corner. Please join us on Friday May 9th from 5:30 - 8:30 p.m. to celebrate "Birdbrained/Harebrained," a group show of artists inspired by all things Birds and Rabbits. 10% of proceeds from the exhibition will benefit the Audubon Society's Environmental Education Center in Bristol, RI. Also, on Saturday May 17th at 2:00 p.m. we'll have an Audubon Naturalist with us in the gallery backyard. They'll bring a LIVE OWL with them and talk about the society's work. In tandem will be a silent auction of Cole Gerst's screen print "Owl." 100% of proceeds from auction will go to the Audubon Society. For more information about the exhibition, please contact YES Gallery + Studio at yesgalleryandstudio@gmail.com or call (401) 245-7174.

Kana Ito

2008-04-28T11:55:00.004-04:00

I feel so blessed to have Kana Ito's paintings here as YES is the only gallery in the states to have Kana's work! She lives in Tokyo, where she's had many solo shows and won several awards for her work. Her sense of color is thrilling, and her subject matter is playful, yet thoughtful. Kana's artist statement is one of my favorites, reminding me of my other favorite Japanese artist. Here's an excerpt: "I paint from my unconscious, but the forms and mood come from things I have seen. I put characters like animals in my paintings. Maybe they are me. I paint many characters, and they are just who they are – not more and not less. They don't shout, “I'm here!” But certainly they are there. I put peace into my paintings. It is an everyday peace, the kind that comes from eating a good meal, seeing a beautiful view, hearing a good story, meeting a kind person. My paintings have all of me. The color and form are me. Painting is as natural to me as breathing or eating. And when people see my paintings, I hope they feel happiness." For more information about Kana Ito's work conact YES Gallery + Studio at yesgalleryandstudio@gmail.com or call (401) 245-7174.

Tom McAleer

2008-04-26T14:38:00.005-04:00

Native Rhode Islander Tom McAleer is one of the most prolific and disciplined artists I know. He manages to be a full time artist while still retaining a 9 to 5 job. Tom makes two paintings a day. That's right, TWO A DAY - one on the way to work, one on the way home. (Nothing like visiting an artist's studio and being able to choose from among 700 paintings!) Tom's fluid and spontaneous plein air paintings capture the spirit and movement of his subject matter, be it an old building or a windy day in the botanical gardens. Working outdoors gives him the change to "refocus on the daily rhythm of life and how it relates to the rhythm of nature." Tom is also influenced by the raw, creative passion of outsider artists at the Top Drawer Art Center, a local organization he helped found two years ago. For more information about Tom McAleer's work please contact YES Gallery + Studio at yesgalleryandstudio@gmail. or (401) 245-7174

Lisa Nolan

2008-04-25T15:24:00.004-04:00

Several years ago Lisa Nolan taught herself some basic electrical skills and starting making these found object lamps for friends and family as gifts. They were such a hit that she found herself filling orders from extended family members and friends of friends. Eventually stores and galleries approached her and she began to sell the work on Block Island (where she lives with her family in the shadow of an historic lighthouse.) Her philosophy is simple, "I try to produce pieces that will make the viewer smile at an unexpected use for an everyday object; an old brass doorknob for a lamp finial, a spigot handle to switch the lamp on or an antique hub cap with chandelier crystals as a shade." Lisa's background as an artist started with a BFA degree from Colby College, and a subsequent stint in the education department of the Cloisters Museum in New York City. For more information about Lisa Nolan's work contact YES Gallery + Studio at yesgalleryandstudio@gmail.com or (401) 245-7174.

Michael Perrone

2008-04-24T12:39:00.008-04:00

I met Michael Perrone years ago on Block Island and have totally enjoyed seeing his work evolve over the years. Let me say up front, photos do not do his work justice. It is such a visual treat. He's taken the definition of painting and pushed its boundaries. Michael starts with a piece of aluminum then starts to create planes of space by taping off edges, scraping off pieces of paint, cutting up old paintings and integrating them into the new work, recycling the paint covered tape into the work, and even scraping out the bottom of his paint cans and gluing the dried, curled bits back onto the painting.

His landscapes are inspired by sights he sees while driving and he's particularly interested in the juxtaposition of manmade and natural objects. Michael says he's attempting "to create images which evoke the dissonance of the contemporary American landscape," and aiming "to displace conventional notions of the sublime, and instead, revel in the beauty of the man-made world." Michael has had several solo shows in New York City, received awards for his work, and been featured in publications such as 'The New Yorker, O at Home and Elle Decor. He is also on faculty at the University of Iowa. For more information about Michael Perrone's work contact YES Gallery + Studio at yesgalleryandstudio@gmail.com or call (401) 245-7174.

Amanda Prowse

2008-04-19T20:28:00.006-04:00

I love Amanda Prowse's layered and collaged drawings, some of which reference the organs of the body, others of which utilize recycled materials and explore repetitive pattern and shape. "Placenta," the top piece pictured here, is red ink drawn on tracing paper and layered over clumps of red thread. Amanda utilizes her background in textiles (including felt making and tapestry weaving) and printmaking to explore themes of birth, mortality and metamorphosis. She relates the lines of her markmaking with lines of thread and is interested in "condensing form to its simplest point." Amanda has exhibited in many galleries around London, her hometown. She was born in the year of the Tiger, and likes really good music. For more information about Amanda's artwork please contact YES Gallery + Studio at yesgalleryandstudio@gmail.com or call (401) 245-7174.

Wendy Papagan

2008-04-17T15:03:00.002-04:00

I was fortunate to meet Wendy a few years ago through an old high school friend (her husband Jason) and have always admired her jewelry. Wendy's latest line of work features petite sterling silver pendants with names or initials. I asked Wendy if she could do an exclusive necklace for YES and here it is. I think it's fabulous! There are two versions, one in all caps, the other in lower case letters. They're available on either dog- tag style ball chain or regular linked chain. For more information about Wendy Papagan's jewelry or the 'YES' necklace please contact YES Gallery + Studio at yesgalleryandstudio@gmail.com or call (401) 245-7174.

It's Official!

2008-04-15T11:24:00.007-04:00

There were nibbles, wine, men with scarves, and deep discussion about the difficulty of working with iron. Must have been a gallery opening! YES Gallery + Studio celebrated its inaugural opening reception on Friday April 11 with over 75 happy attendees. Response to the unique artwork was overwhelmingly positive and resulted in a good handful of sales. Cheers to the artists from near and far who attended the event. (One of them even said it was the best opening reception they'd ever been to. Sweet!) Thanks to everyone who helped make the night so special, particularly my friend Jen, who had her hands full as bartender, and Mark and Emily, who spent a better part of the night washing wine glasses. Many thanks to Opici Import Company for their generous donation of delicious Orvieto Classico and Cesari wine. For more photos of the event click on the Flickr link to the right.

Sarah Symes

2008-04-13T15:39:00.004-04:00

What might look like an abstract painting is actually a textile piece. Sarah Symes' gorgeous artwork instantly attracted me for its color, boldness and meticulous craft. What I love about it, as well, is the way it forces you to move your body. The large size (this particular piece being 33"x44") causes you to step back and take in the whole work, while the intricacy of the fabric and stitching draws you in close. Sarah lays down swatches of fabric the way a painter would take a palette knife and smear a hunk of paint on canvas. Where the painter would vary their brushstroke with peaks and valleys, Sarah varies her fabric, from the repetitive ridges of corduroy to the smooth shininess of silk. In some pieces she uses zigzag and haphazard stitching the way someone would create lines and marks with a pencil. Sarah lives in Los Angeles and is "fascinated by the elemental beauty of California's west coast, finding inspiration in the ever-changing beach landscape." She was recently profiled in Quilting Arts Magazine and won the Best of Show prize at the Los Angeles Art Association last year. For more information about Sarah Symes work please contact YES Gallery + Studio at yesgalleryandstudio@gmail.com or call (401) 245-7174.

Jim Henderson

2008-04-11T08:41:00.003-04:00

People like to joke with Jim Henderson that he's got a split personality, one that creates unique, formal bronze sculpture inspired by palm trees and ceremonial feather standards of Hawaii, and the other that collects and photographs abandoned doll heads and turns the images into ethereal, glowing shadowboxes. Jim doesn't seem to mind the joke, and, in fact, moves effortlessly through a variety of sculptural media and processes, (the common denominator of which, by the way, is sandblasting.) Jim's bronze work starts with a single piece of wood cut into, and out of, with a variety of saws to bring out the texture and grain intrinsic to the wood. The shadowboxes come from a different place. Jim says, “Nearly twenty years ago, I began picking up dolls found on the streets of Brockton. They had been lying there for some time, broken, run over, rained on, covered with dirt and grime. I was both confused and saddened by their battered condition and abandonment. Years later, I began to use the dolls in my work, creating for them protective granite and steel shelters. I was touched by their innocent beauty despite their past neglect.” For more information about Jim Henderson's work please contact YES Gallery + Studio at yesgalleryandstudio@gmail.com or (401) 245-7174.

Gene Gort

2008-04-10T11:15:00.006-04:00

I first met Gene Gort at the Hartford Art School when I was a student there in the early 90's. Gene taught in the video department and was known for his experimental video and installation work which had provocative, often edgy, subject matter. What a surprise it was to reconnect with him recently and see his latest series of photographs, these elegant and simple compositions of flowers and natural objects. In his own words, Gene was "examining the simple elegance of natural objects unencumbered by cultural context or social/political discourse." Ever the experimenter, Gene uses a flatbed scanner to make this work. He says "The imaging device demands a different set of principles, techniques and orientation that allows me to see things from a very different vantage point and offers a freedom I don’t feel when using a traditional lens-based device like a camera. I often think of these images as “gifts” when the image appears on the screen once scanned. They offer themselves up as material to be inspected, revered and are breathtaking – refreshing and very surprising." I wholeheartedly agree! For more information about Gene Gort's work please contact YES Gallery + Studio at yesgalleryandstudio@gmail.com or call (401) 245-7174.

Nicole McConville

2008-04-07T21:14:00.003-04:00

It's hard to take something that nature has crafted such as a bird bone, or even a finely rusted piece of metal, and make it into something better (and by better I mean the sum equals more than its parts.) Nicole McConville's work does that for me. She's got a knack for creating juxtapositions between objects that are at once visually stimulating and metaphorically poignant. In her own eloquent words, she is concerned with "revealing the sacred within the seemingly ordinary." Nicole hails from Asheville, North Carolina and has exhibited her work around the U.S., as well as in Germany and England. Her pieces have been featured in several art books including "The Altered Object" and "Crafting Personal Shrines." For more information about Nicole McConville's work please contact YES Gallery + Studio at yesgalleryandstudio@gmail.com.

Sneak Peek!

2008-04-07T14:58:00.008-04:00

Here are a couple photos of the gallery. There's a few changes to be made, but you get the gyst. I'm so enjoying seeing everyones' work up on the wall inside this beautiful, quirky old building. Many thanks to everyone who helped make this happen, from the carpentry and painting to the inventory checklists. I couldn't have done it without a really supportive group of friends and family. And, of course, thanks to the artists who created this amazing body of work!

Cynthia Guild

2008-04-01T21:31:00.003-04:00

I could marvel all day at how Cynthia Guild captures light, but what I love most about her work is the way she takes banal subject matter and makes it beautiful. These oil paintings are actually inspired by surveillance video from the Connecticut Department of Transporation's webcam. In her own words Cynthia says, "I like the fact that these are real cars and trucks in real time on real roads with real people living their lives. These paintings represent the poetry of this night, or this life – each with its own individual existence, yet each a part of a larger design." Cynthia received both her BFA and MFA in Printmaking from UMASS Amherst. She exhibits extensively throughout the region and has also taught classes and workshops at numerous colleges including Bennington College, Rhode Island School of Design and Mount Holyoke. For more information about Cynthia Guild's work please contact YES Gallery + Studio at yesgalleryandstudio@gmail.com.

Jessica Gonacha

2008-04-01T20:58:00.004-04:00

Jessica Gonacha's work makes me smile. Not only does she have a great sense of color, design and composition, but each one of her paintings seems to tell a story. I think of them as snapshots taken from the middle of a narrative. The specifics of the story are up to us. Jessica graduated with a BFA at Ithaca College in 2002 and has been exhibiting her work ever since. In addition to several shows last year her work was included in SOFA Chicago. For more information about Jessica Gonacha's work please email YES Gallery + Studio at yesgalleryandstudio@gmail.com.

Rick Reese

2008-04-01T17:26:00.008-04:00

I'm not sure what's going on, but octopuses are everywhere these days. This etching, "Charmed," by artist Rick Reese is one of my favorites. I can't tell if this guy is shapeshifting into an octopus or just truly enraptured by it. I love Rick's line quality and the little details like the waves in the octopus head. Rick lives in California and works as a freelance illustrator doing work for clients like Billabong, Royal Caribbean and The Surfrider Foundation. He also teaches at Cal State Long Beach. Rick's had many solo exhibits in California and in 2007 was invited to participate in The Venice Contemporary. For more information about Rick's work email YES Gallery + Studio at yesgalleryandstudio@gmail.com.

Andrea Corson

2008-03-31T20:49:00.006-04:00

When I came across jewelry by NYC designer and artist Andrea Corson on Daily Candy last year I was wowed. Using sterling silver, gold and 18K vermeil she creates wonderfully unique wearable art. Given her MFA in Sculpture from Cranbrook Academy it's no surprise that the work is quite sculptural. To make it even more intriguing, each piece is slightly different from any other and, therefore, one-of-a-kind. Andrea's work has been featured in publications as varied as the New York Times and Bon Appetit, and she's had numerous exhibitions around the country over the last ten years. At the moment I am coveting this bird ring, but the hockey masks offer a sort of creepy fun, too. What do you think? For more information about Andrea Corson's work contact YES Gallery + Studio at yesgalleryandstudio@gmail.com.

Bryan Nash Gill

2008-03-30T15:36:00.007-04:00

I'm thrilled to exhibit the work of nationally-acclaimed artist Bryan Nash Gill. As evidenced by his beautiful woodblock prints and wood engravings Bryan is passionate about nature, specifically trees. He spends much time in the woods by his Connecticut home connecting to the source of his inspiration. Expressing his deep love for the process of finding just the right materials, Bryan marvels at the "memory" of bark and the "energy" of the changing New England landscape. His simple, elegant compostions reflect a deeper sense of poetry and meditation. In an interview published in Art New England (Dec/Jan 2002) he says, "A piece is good if it gets to that edge of sensual phenomenon, gets you outside of yourself - to that place where you say, something is happening here." For more information about Bryan Nash Gill's work contact YES Gallery + Studio at yesgalleryandstudio@gmail.com.

Rachel Ann Austin

2008-03-30T14:14:00.009-04:00

When I first saw Rachel's work I was immediately drawn to her colors and simple, bold compositions. Rachel resides in Portland and began her artmaking career building tables. She then went on to study woodworking at the Oregon College of Arts and Crafts. Over time Rachel decided to take her numerous sketchbook drawings and turn them into paintings. Since then she's had many solo and two person exhibitions in Oregon and around the country. Her work at YES Gallery + Studio represents two styles - oil paintings of abstracted lanterns and mixed media paintings (for which she uses a map as the ground). For more information about Rachel Ann Austin's work contact YES Gallery + Studio at yesgalleryandstudio@gmail.com.

Inaugural Exhibition! April 11, 2008

2008-03-28T13:04:00.005-04:00

I am so excited to show off all the fabulous YES artists! I hope everyone who's in town can join us for the inaugural opening reception on Friday April 11th from 5:30-8:00 p.m.

Why Yes?

2008-03-28T12:43:00.004-04:00

When mulling over names for the gallery I came up with a random and various assortment of words. I wanted something short and snappy. I wanted something that spoke more to a concept and less to a specific image. Mainly I was inspired by Yoko Ono's "Ceiling Painting (YES Painting) 1966" (pictured here.) You can read about that piece here and its relevance to her relationship with John Lennon. This is a quote by Yoko that I think is great, “There have been so many negative elements in my life, and in the world. I had to balance that by activating the 'Yes' element. 'Yes' is an expression that I always carried and will continue to carry." I also loved the idea of someone driving down Water Street, mulling over a decision, then looking up to see the word 'YES' on the gallery building. Who knows what things could come of such a bold "sign"? At any rate, I hope 'YES' is an expression the gallery will carry from here on out. As in "Yes, I love it." "Yes, It's perfect." "Yes, I'll take it."

CREATING A SPACE

2008-03-27T11:44:00.004-04:00

Here is the gallery sans artwork. Empty, yet beautiful. I view it as an artwork in and of itself, a sacred space complete with church pew and stained glass window.