Interactive Art, Group Exhibit, Live Music & After Party

Oct. 27, 2010 - PRLog -- Two new art exhibits open at the Red Bluff Art Gallery on Friday, November 5, from 5-8 PM. The Opening Reception coincides with First Friday Art Night and Red Bluff’s Annual Art Walk. An interactive art display by John N. Stewart and a 50-Member group exhibit both open Friday night.

“Open to Interpretation” will open in the Main Hall with works exclusively by the 50 members of the Red Bluff Art Gallery. Most of the members are local artists.

John N. Stewart will be showing his art in "The Window Gallery".  It is a mixed show with works from the 1980's up until the present.  The three main pieces are assemblage wall sculptures titled 1: Pick A President (AKA Heads of State), 2: Ecology Box, and 3: Church Box.   These were originally created for a show called "Boxes" at the prestigious Space Gallery in Los Angeles, California.   "Pick A President" is a farcical political piece that has various elements: a real bullhorn, a genuine fossil, a political platform, and a party animal.  It is interactive in that the viewer selects a head and then watches it roll down the sculpture. Music plays as it descends into the bottom tray.    

When I created "Ecology Box", I was living in Los Angeles and felt hopelessly engulfed in various kinds of pollution.  The symbolism is pretty easy to read in this piece.  It was shown later at an exhibit at Barnsdahl and several artists were attracted to it and invited me to start an art group, which went on for awhile.

The "Church Box" piece was done after a bout with Lymphoma in 1986.  It has some strong imagery, but I think my favorite section is the one with the cross, cathedral and bishop in it.  " I had a lot of prayer and some radiation and with God's help I came through it ok" exclaims Stewart.

In addition to the three assemblage pieces there will be 5 small wall sculptural units utilizing old letterpress blocks originally done by notable Los Angeles artists from the 30's and 40's.  There is one large full sheet watercolor included called "Tokyo Compu" painted by Stewart in 1987 along with a large wooden construction wall piece called "Tube Tester".  Sculptor Louise Nevelson probably influenced this piece.  It is mostly wood, but has inlays of copper and 24k gold leaf.

Stewart studied with the Famous Artist's Schools in 1956; received a scholarship to Chouinard Art Institute in 1958; and later attended the Art Center School in Los Angeles, CA in the early 60's.  He had a 25-year career as a Scenic Artist for the entertainment industry with projects for television, motion picture and stage productions. He also did special art projects for Disneyland, Disney World, Epcot and Animal Kingdom.

He is a Signature Member of the National Watercolor Society (1976) and a past member of the California Art Club. (1993 - 2005) and The Los Angeles Art Association.  

Past exhibits include Gallery Gianni (La Cienega district) (1962), Jackie Rosenberg Gallery (1966), Lakeland College, Lakeland, Ohio (1977); Horizon Show, NYC, (1986); Carnegie Museum CAC show, (1994); Morseburg Gallery, LA, CA, (1994); Malaga Cove Library, Palos Verdes, CA (2001); Ferndale Repetoire Theater Gallery (2002);  Red Bluff Art Gallery, various group and individual shows, 2008-2010; Five  Windows Gallery "Predominately Landscapes" 1 man show, April 2010.    

The Reception for the two opening exhibits coincides with First Friday Art Night and Red Bluff’s Annual Art Walk. It will feature food and live music provided by the “Four Shari’s”.

An "After Party" will take place at Eccentric Sculptor Jay Murphy's home studio after 8 P.M. Jay's place is located at 710 Rio Street (Pine & Rio) in downtown Red Bluff. The public is welcome.

Artists’ reception for the new exhibits will be held at the gallery on Friday, November 5th, from 5-8 PM. Dress is casual and everyone is welcome. More information at www.RedBluffArtGallery.com

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A true International Art Gallery, located in Northern California, the Red Bluff Art Gallery is an artist-owned and operated cooperative. Services include monthly exhibits, framing, web services, and art supplies. Founded by Ana Nelson & Phil Dynan 2007.