“Second Nature: First Impressions” James Ratliff Gallery Presents Bruce Marion

Sept. 14, 2012 - PRLog -- Contact:  James Ratliff Gallery                                                      
                928-282-1404                                                          
                 FineArt@jamesratliffgallery.com                              
             www.jamesratliffgallery.com                                      

Press:      MH-Global Communications
                 Maureen Herron
                 602-579-0361
                 maureenherron@gmail.com

“Second Nature:  First Impressions”
James Ratliff Gallery Presents Bruce Marion

(Sedona, AZ,  September14, 2012)  The James Ratliff Gallery, Hillside Sedona, 671 State Route 179, Suites A1 & A2, Sedona, AZ 86336, is pleased to announce a solo exhibition of the paintings of Bruce Marion, October 5-14, 2012.  “Second Nature:  First Impressions” will feature new work by the contemporary impressionist, with a focus on Arizona landscapes, including many stunning Sedona vistas. Known for his vivid coloration and expressive palette knife work, Marion brings an ethereal, dream-like quality to his landscapes, capturing the emotional resonance of the scene as much as the view. The result? Beautiful vistas that are at once familiar and brand new, evoking a sense of longing most often reserved for visions filtered by fond memory.

Represented in seven American galleries, including Sedona’s James Ratliff Gallery, Marion’s work is featured in private and corporate collections internationally. He was recently commissioned to create the primary artwork for a new building at Sam Houston State University, Texas, and his artwork is published internationally by Editions Limited. “Second Nature: First Impressions” is Marion’s fourth solo exhibition at the James Ratliff Gallery, which has represented the artist for the past six years. An Opening Reception for the artist will be held at the gallery on Friday, October 5, from 5:00-8:00 PM.  


In addition to featuring new works by the artist, a special highlight of the opening reception is Marion’s collaboration with the Humane Society of Sedona. An avid animal lover who works with multiple rescue agencies in his hometown of Chandler, Marion, in conjunction with the James Ratliff Gallery, is donating ten percent of the opening night revenue to the society. Birgitte Skielvig, Executive Director of the Humane Society of Sedona, comments:   “The Humane Society of Sedona is thrilled to have Bruce Marion as a supporter. Not only is he donating proceeds from his opening reception at the James Ratliff Gallery, he genuinely cares about the welfare of animals. Bruce has chosen adoption as the first option in pet ownership; he owns two dogs and three cats, and is currently fostering another four kitten strays. He and his family also spend their personal time and money to spay and neuter feral cats and place them into homes. Bruce not only “talks the talk,” he also “walks the walk,” and we are proud to have him, his wife Lee and his daughter Taylor as part of the Humane Society of Sedona’s family. We and the animals greatly appreciate all their efforts.”
To help generate even more support for the Humane Society of Sedona, on Saturday, October 6, from 10:00-12:00, Marion has arranged a public painting event at the gallery, where art and animal lovers will be invited to collaborate with him on the creation of a new painting. Everyone who attends will have the opportunity to paint, and the finished work will be donated to the Humane Society of Sedona for its fund-raising purposes. In addition, employees and volunteers from the Humane Society will be at the event with dogs available for adoption and to answer questions about their services.

Sedona Phoenix shuttle supports the Humane Society of Sedona’s fund-raising goals with these events by offering complimentary round-trip transportation shuttles between the Sedona Rouge Hotel & Spa and the James Ratliff Gallery for Opening Night, October 5, and the “Paint with the Artist” event, October 6.  


Along with the James Ratliff Gallery exhibition is the debut of the Bruce Marion Suite designed by Lee Wright at Sedona Rouge Hotel & Spa. Interested in creating an even more exciting stay for its guests, this boutique hotel has designated its Andalusian Suite as the first, originally-designed hotel suite in the USA to exclusively feature Marion’s artwork. The newly-designed suite repositions Sedona Rouge Hotel & Spa as a distinctive boutique hospitality offering, appealing to the resort’s discriminating clientele. Overseeing the redesign, the artist’s wife, Lee Wright, Lee Wright Design, conceptualized the suite’s transformation to enhance the guest experience while showcasing original artwork. Says Ed Conway, General Manager of the hotel, “The new Bruce Marion Suite will truly be a one-of-a-kind experience. The artwork is splendid, and the colorations and themes fit perfectly with the Sedona Rouge aesthetic. What a wonderful way to pamper our guests!”  

In celebration of the opening of the Bruce Marion Suite, Sedona Rouge Hotel & Spa will sponsor a reception for the artist on Thursday, October 4, from 5:00-7:00 PM, in the fountain reception courtyard of its award-winning “Reds” restaurant. There, art lovers, guests of the hotel, and the general public can meet Marion and Wright, and tour the new suite.  Visitors to Sedona are welcome to contact Sedona Rouge Hotel & Spa for special event October 4-6 rates:  866-312-4111.

For further information, please contact the James Ratliff Gallery:  928-282-1404; e-mail: FineArt@jamesratliffgallery.com.

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Note to media:
Artist available for phone interviews in advance of event; in-person interviews in Sedona October 4-6.

Contacts:
Bruce Marion (www.brucemarion.com)
Maureen Herron, MH-Global Communications Network:  ph. 602-579-0361, e-mail:  maureenherron@gmail.com
James Ratliff Gallery (www.jamesratliffgallery.com)
Gallery hours are 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM Mondays-Saturdays and Sunday 11:00 AM to 5:00 PM.
James or Patricia Ratliff:  ph. 928-282-1404, e-mail:  FineArt@jamesratliffgallery.com
Sedona Rouge  Hotel  & Spa (www.sedonarouge.com)
Heather Hermen, FrontBurnerMedia:  ph. 928-202-2374; e-mail:  heather@frontburnermedia.com
Humane Society of Sedona (www.humanesocietyofsedona.com)
Betsy Klein:  ph. 928-282-4679; e-mail:  Coordinator@humanesocietyofsedona.com
Sedona Phoenix shuttle (www.sedona-phoenix-shuttle.com)
Jason Carr:  ph. 928-282-2066; e-mail:  Jason@arizonashuttle.com
Sedona-Phoenix shuttle is your connection to Sedona resorts or hotels and locations throughout the Verde Valley. We provide the easiest and most cost-effective transportation to and from your hotel or resort in Sedona and Phoenix Sky Harbor Airport. We are Sedona’s premier provider for airport transportation. Sedona-Phoenix shuttle will pick you up at your Sedona hotel and many other locations throughout Sedona, Village of Oak Creek, Cottonwood, Camp Verde and Phoenix Sky Harbor Airport.