“Crit Works” Exhibit opens June 13 at the Berkeley Art Works

Back Space Gallery Exhibit and Open Critique

Reception and Open Critique Session
Friday, June 15, 5-8pm

Crit Works Artists – Left to Right: Gary Bergel, Joy Bridy, Doug Kinnett, Nancy Polo, Jason Care.

Five exhibiting regional artists who meet and critique works in progress twice monthly in a “Crit Group” setting are exhibiting recent paintings, banners, and photography at the Berkeley Art Works from June 13 through July 7.

Open Critique:

Doug Kinnett, Gary Bergel, Joy Bridy, Nancy Polo and Jason Care invite any local artist, working at any level from beginning to accomplished, who would desire to learn about and experience the process of critiquing a visual art work, 2-D or 3-D, to bring one or more pieces to the Reception and Open Critique Session Friday evening, June 15. This group follows the widely adopted model of critique developed by Edmund Burke Feldman – it is non-critical, objective, and encouraging, rather than critical, subjective and often discouraging. Practicing artists need the peer-support found in small groups. Come, learn of the “Feldman Method” and how “Crit Works.” Continue reading

“Fire in Many Forms” Pottery Exhibit Opens June 6

June 6 – July 7

Fire in Many Forms

The Berkeley Arts Council iannounces “Fire in Many Forms” on exhibit from June 6 through July 7 at the Berkeley Art Works Gallery, 116 North Queen Street in Martinsburg. The exhibit is curated by ceramic artist and Berkeley Art Works Co-op member Annette Verna.

The exhibit presents six ceramic artists, each working with different firing methods, including Raku, Salt, Soda, Wood, and Smoke firing. The artists’ kilns range from simple containers to more sophisticated gas and wood-fired kilns. While these atmospheric firings can be unpredictable, the pieces on display demonstrate the typical and fascinating characteristics of each type of firing and the mastery with which these artists work with fire. In contrast to the fired work, the show also features some unfired work.

The artists represented are all working ceramic artists hailing from our region of West Virginia, as well as New York State, Pennsylvania, Maryland and Virginia. The goals of the exhibit are to describe the artists’ diverse work and interests, and introduce the community to a variety of firing techniques. After visiting this show, you’ll leave with new thoughts about the many ways ceramic artists work in clay, and the knowledge to identify and appreciate these types of firings when you see them.

Meet the artists at an opening reception on Friday, June 8 from 5-7pm. Gallery hours are Wed-Fri 11-5, Sat 11-4.

Photo 18 Accepted Artists

The juror’s results are in. Frank Herrera selected 26 images from 23 artists out of 108 images submitted.

Here is Frank’s Juror’s statement:

Having taught photography for the past 50 years or so, I must have looked at millions of photographic images, mainly to determine how to best advise folks how they might improve their work. That advice can be sometimes technical, aesthetic, conceptual, or even spiritual.  In jurying a contest like this, seeing work for the first time, absent a historical context, I try to encourage work which I think original, technically proficient, thoughtful , and capable of holding the viewer’s attention for more than a few seconds. I’m looking for new ideas , photos that push the boundaries. By that, I definitely do not mean using the latest APP –like one which automatically makes your snapshot look like a Van Gogh painting. Winnowing down an entry list of 108 down to 25 finalists  is pretty brutal. I’ve always tried to  encourage everybody who takes photography seriously enough to go to the trouble  of presenting their work for scrutiny  from me  as well as the public, deserves recognition. I have participated in many juried shows over the years. Done well in some…In others, well, there’s always the next time. Don’t be discouraged.

Thanks to the BAC for the chance to participate. Lots of impressive work-thanks for making it hard to choose.

FPH
Continue reading

Art Legacy of Martinsburg on Display at the Berkeley Art Works

“American Folk Life Society” Mural by William Cochran on the Market House building.

Many people in Martinsburg and Berkeley County don’t know:

– Martinburg has an original N.C. Wyeth;
– a civil war era illustrator was born and worked here;
– Martinsurg was the “sock capital” of the world for the first half of the 20th century; and Interwoven Socks commissioned ads from the country’s most famous illustrators, including Norman Rockwell, J.C. Leyendecker, and N.C. Wyeth.
– Martinsburg’s Baltimore & Ohio Railroad roundhouse is the only remaining cast-iron framed roundhouse still standing in the world today.

“Christmas in Virginia” by N.C. Wyeth displayed in the Martinsburg Library

Although most residents don’t know it, Martinsburg and Berkeley County, WV, have a notable art heritage. This area is the birthplace of several famous artists, the source of much celebrated art created at the behest of local businesses, and is the subject of paintings and engravings.

The exhibit in the Berkeley Art Works Gallery will focus on the various kinds of art and artists who are part of the history of the area. Notable artists, both past and contemporary, and various forms of art, including painting, illustration, sculpture, and architecture, make up this rich tapestry of the visual arts which has its roots in the region. Images of some of the works and a narrative about the art and artists will be on view. The exhibit will be on display through June 2; 116 North Queen Street, Martinsburg. Gallery hours Wed-Fri 11-5, Sat 11-4.

Blue Ridge CTC Artists Exhibit at the Berkeley Art Works

Group photo of the Blue Ridge CTC Art 205 Creativity Color and Design and Art 299 Independent Study classes
The Backspace Gallery at Berkeley Art Works is currently featuring 40 works in various media by 18 Blue Ridge Community and Technology College students through Friday, June 8.  The students were part of Art 205 Creativity, Color and Design and Art 299 Independent Study courses taught by Gary Bergel, BAW co-op artist and Blue Ridge CTC adjunct faculty member.
“Untitled” by Billy McPherson Acrylic on Canvas
Recently, Bergel and Doug Kinnett, another BAW co-op artist, juried arts works to be included in this 2018 edition of The Outlet, the arts and letters journal of Blue Ridge CTC.  Come and greet these student-artists at our 5-7 pm Reception on Friday, June 8.
The gallery is located at 116 North Queen Street in Martinsburg. Hours Wed-Fri 11-5, Sat 11-4.
“The Outlet”. To view a PDF of the publication go to: https://goo.gl/AU1oRF